Lonavala-Pune-Daund Rail Stretch to Be Fully Secured with Fencing by August; Half of the Work Already Done
Lonavala-Pune-Daund Rail Stretch to Be Fully Secured with Fencing by August; Half of the Work Already Done
Efforts to enhance safety along the Lonavala-Pune-Daund railway corridor are moving at a steady pace, with officials from the Central Railway’s Pune division reporting that nearly 150 km of the 290 km stretch has already been fenced. The entire project is expected to be completed by August 2026, aiming to curb frequent trespassing incidents that have long plagued this busy route.
The initiative, launched in early 2024, focuses on one of the most vulnerable sections of the division, where accidents and unauthorized track crossings have been a recurring concern. With tenders now awarded for the remaining sections, work is progressing rapidly on this crucial link, which also supports high-speed train operations in the region.
Hemant Kumar Behera, divisional commercial manager and public relations officer of the Pune division, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “We are on track to finish the fencing by August 2026. This project is designed to systematically prevent unauthorized access to the tracks and significantly enhance overall safety. Once completed, the fencing combined with pedestrian subways will drastically reduce trespassing and improve operational safety across this corridor.”
The project, approved with a budget of ₹209.36 crore, not only involves continuous fencing along the entire route but also includes the construction of pedestrian subways to allow safe passage for people, livestock, and small vehicles.
Railway authorities highlighted that safety fencing is being prioritized on sections where train speeds exceed 110 km/h and at other high-risk locations. This step forms part of a nationwide effort by Indian Railways to strengthen operational safety and minimize accidents caused by track trespassing.
According to data shared in the Lok Sabha by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s railways have installed 16,398 km of safety fencing across various zones. The Central Railway has contributed 966 km so far, while North Central Railway and South Central Railway have installed 2,721 km and 2,326 km, respectively.
The Lonavala-Pune-Daund fencing project remains a priority for the Pune division due to the dense train traffic and recurring incidents of trespassing. Once fully completed, it is expected to set a benchmark for safety measures, ensuring smoother operations and better protection for both passengers and local communities along the route.
