Pune: Barne Urges Railways to Develop Parking Near Lonavala Station, Faster Fourth Rail Line Work
Pune, 28th April 2026 : Shiv Sena MP from Maval, Shrirang Barne, has urged railway authorities to develop a parking facility near Lonavala railway station to address the growing shortage of space for tourists and railway passengers in the hill town.
During a review meeting with Divisional Railway General Manager of the Central Railway Hiresh Meena on ongoing, pending and proposed railway works in the Maval Lok Sabha constituency, Barne said land was available near the station and should be inspected immediately for development of a vehicle parking area. Railway officials assured that the site would be inspected and the project taken up.
The meeting was attended by MLA Sunil Shelke along with other officials from the railways, Lonavala civic officials and local representatives.
Barne said Lonavala, being a major tourist destination, faces severe parking shortages, especially during weekends and holidays.
He further asked railway authorities to find a solution for local vendors near Bhushi Dam, where encroachment drives were recently carried out. Barne said many local families had been running seasonal stalls selling tea, vada pav and snacks in the area for nearly 40 years and also help tourists with safety and guidance.
He suggested that railway authorities create a coordinated rehabilitation plan and provide space to locals on rent so that their livelihoods are protected while ensuring railway security.
Barne also demanded that work on the fourth railway line between Pune and Lonavala be expedited. He asked for development of Panvel, Neral and Karjat stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme and better connectivity between the old station and new corridor on the Panvel-Karjat route.
He further sought reopening of express train halts at stations in the Maval constituency that were discontinued during the Covid period and never restored. He requested stoppages for trains such as Koyna Express, Hyderabad Express, Chennai-bound trains, Siddheshwar Express, Kolhapur-Ahmedabad and Bengaluru-Jodhpur services at Karjat station.
The MP also demanded restoration of the 1.30 pm Pune-Lonavala local service.
