Maharashtra Backs Rs 51 Billion Pune–Lonavala Rail Upgrade

09 Sep 2025 CW Team

The Maharashtra State Cabinet has approved the state government’s financial participation in the Rs 51 billion Pune–Lonavala suburban railway third and fourth line project. The initiative, aimed at easing commuter congestion and improving regional connectivity, will be implemented by the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC).

The total project cost, including land acquisition, stands at approximately Rs 51 billion. Funding responsibilities will be equally shared between the central and state governments, with the state contributing Rs 25.5 billion.

Of this amount, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will each contribute 20 per cent, or Rs 5.1 billion. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will provide 30 per cent, or Rs 7.65 billion. The remaining Rs 7.65 billion will be covered by the Maharashtra government.

A senior PMC official noted that the third and fourth lines will ease the growing passenger load on the existing Pune–Lonavala suburban rail corridor. The additional tracks will enhance service frequency, reduce travel time, and improve connectivity between Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the surrounding PMRDA region, including the popular hill station of Lonavala.

Once completed, the expansion is expected to offer significant relief to daily commuters and support the region’s broader urban transit goals.

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