The long-standing demand for additional railway lines between Pune and Lonavla has cleared a key hurdle, with the Maharashtra state cabinet infrastructure committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approving the project. The third and fourth lines will be laid with equal financial participation from the Centre and the state.The Pune–Lonavla corridor, one of the busiest suburban stretches in the region, has for years struggled with overcrowding and frequent delays. Citizens’ groups and commuters have consistently pressed for extra tracks to reduce congestion caused by goods trains.Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, who pursued the proposal with both state and central authorities, called the approval a “breakthrough” for commuters. He noted that discussions with CM Fadnavis and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had expedited the clearance.Mohol added: “In the last 11 years, the Narendra Modi government has pushed railway modernisation at a war footing. Under Ashwini Vaishnaw’s leadership, the pace has only increased. These additional lines will significantly strengthen connectivity on this high-traffic route.”The new tracks are expected to increase passenger train frequency, reduce delays caused by goods trains, and speed up express train movement. The improved capacity is also likely to benefit industrial hubs, students, office-goers, and businesses, while easing road traffic as more commuters opt for rail travel.Daily travellers have welcomed the decision. Mandar Dharankar, an IT professional commuting from Lonavla to Pune, said: “This was long overdue. Passenger trains are often delayed for goods trains, stretching journeys to two hours instead of under one. Additional lines will improve frequency and reliability, saving time and reducing stress. For thousands like me, this is a game-changer.”