Maval MP Shrirang Barne Demands Completion of Karjat-Lonavala-Pune Railway Lines
Pimpri, 18th March 2025: In the Lok Sabha session, Maval MP Shrirang Barne demanded the completion of the third and fourth railway lines between Karjat and Lonavala, as well as Lonavala and Pune. He also requested the inclusion of Karjat and Neral railway stations in the Amrit Bharat Scheme.
The third and fourth railway lines were announced for the Maval Lok Sabha constituency in 2017 and were approved by the central government. They were also mentioned in the Union Budget. However, due to land acquisition issues and other delays, the project remains stalled. The Mumbai-Pune railway route experiences the highest traffic congestion. If the proposed railway lines are completed, they will provide significant relief to commuters.
Barne also raised concerns about local train services between Pune and Lonavala. During the COVID-19 pandemic, afternoon local trains were suspended. While some services resumed post-pandemic, the 1:30 pm local train remains discontinued, causing inconvenience to daily commuters. He urged the government to reinstate this service.
A new railway line between Panvel and Karjat is nearing completion. With the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport in Panvel, the third and fourth railway lines will enhance connectivity from Karjat to Lonavala and Lonavala to Pune, easing travel between Mumbai, Panvel, and Pune, Barne added.
Railway Development in Maharashtra
Barne highlighted that this year’s Union Budget has allocated ₹2.52 lakh crore for railway modernization. Over the next three years, 100 Amrit Bharat trains, 50 Namo Bharat trains, and 200 Vande Bharat trains will be introduced. Maharashtra has received the highest railway budget allocation of ₹23,778 crore. The state is also leading in railway electrification, achieving 100% electrification of its railway network. Since 2014, Maharashtra has developed 2,105 kilometers of new railway lines. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 132 railway stations across the state are undergoing development.
Railway Development in Maval Lok Sabha Constituency
In the Maval Lok Sabha constituency, Chinchwad, Akurdi, Talegaon Dabhade, Lonavala, and Panvel Junction are being developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Barne has urged the inclusion of Karjat and Neral railway stations in the scheme, citing the high passenger traffic on the Mumbai-Pune route.
