Pune–Lonavla Rail Expansion and Two New Metro Stations Gets Approval
Pune–Lonavla Rail Expansion and Two New Metro Stations Gets Approval
Pune, August 20, 2025: Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Nagpur are set to get a boost in modern transport infrastructure, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approving several crucial projects aimed at enhancing urban development and connectivity.
In a major announcement, the Chief Minister said these decisions will provide a new direction and pace to the state’s transport system, addressing long-pending demands of citizens.
For Pune, the meeting brought significant progress: approval has been granted for the construction of the third and fourth railway lines on the Pune–Lonavala suburban route. This long-awaited project will ease congestion and improve train connectivity for thousands of daily commuters.
For Mumbai, suburban railway modernisation has been prioritised. Under MUTP Phase 3 and 3A, approval has been given for 268 new fully air-conditioned metro-style local trains with closed doors and modern facilities. These will gradually replace the present local trains, bringing safety and comfort to lakhs of commuters every day—without any increase in ticket fares. Approval is granted for the Metro Line 11, a 16 km fully underground corridor from Wadala Depot to Gateway of India with an investment of nearly ₹24,000 crore and support from JICA, which will ease traffic congestion and give Mumbai a world-class metro facility. For Thane and Navi Mumbai, a 25 km elevated road linking Thane to the Navi Mumbai International Airport has been approved, ensuring faster connectivity, reduced congestion and new opportunities for industries and citizens alike.
Additionally, under Pune Metro Phase-1, two new stations—Balajinagar–Bibwewadi and Swargate–Katraj—have received the green signal. These expansions are expected to reduce traffic burden on city roads and enhance last-mile connectivity for residents.
Devendra Fadnavis stated, “Pune will see its suburban rail corridor between Pune and Lonavala strengthened with a 3rd and 4th line, while two new metro stations—Balajinagar–Bibwewadi and Swargate–Katraj—under Metro Phase 1 will boost public transport. Nagpur too is stepping into a new phase of development with approval for the construction of a Ring Road and a new township that will strengthen its growth and infrastructure. DCM Ajitdada Pawar, Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior officials were present.
Citizens had been demanding improvements on the Pune–Lonavala suburban route for years. With the third and fourth lines now approved, passengers traveling on this busy stretch will finally get relief through smoother, more frequent train services.
