Lonavala–Pune–Daund Rail Stretch to Be Fully Fenced by August; 150 km Work Completed
Reported By Amit Singh
Pune, 18th March 2026: Work on safety fencing across the trespassing-prone Lonavala–Pune–Daund railway corridor is set to be completed by August 2026, with nearly half the stretch about 150 km out of 290 km already covered, officials from the Central Railway’s Pune division said.
Initiated in early 2024, the project targets one of the division’s most vulnerable stretches, long affected by frequent trespassing incidents and fatalities. The remaining work is underway after tenders were awarded for the entire route, which is a key link for high-speed train operations in the region.
“We are on track to complete the entire fencing by August 2026. This intervention is aimed at systematically restricting unauthorised access to tracks and strengthening overall safety. Once in place, the fencing, along with pedestrian subways, is expected to significantly minimise trespassing and improve operational safety across the corridor,” said Hemant Kumar Behera, divisional commercial manager and public relations officer of the Pune division.
The project, sanctioned at a cost of ₹209.38 crore, includes continuous fencing along the full route and the construction of pedestrian subways to enable safe passage for people, cattle, and small vehicles.
Railway officials said safety fencing is being prioritised on routes where train speeds exceed 110 kmph, as well as at other vulnerable locations. The measure is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to enhance operational safety and prevent accidents caused by trespassing.
Data presented in the Lok Sabha by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw showed that a total of 16,398 km of safety fencing has been installed across railway zones nationwide. Among them, Central Railway has completed 966 km of fencing so far, while other major contributions include 2,721 km in North Central Railway and 2,326 km in South Central Railway.
Officials said the Lonavala –Pune–Daund project remains a key safety initiative for the Pune division, given the high density of train operations and recurring trespassing incidents along the route.
