Pune: The ambitious third and fourth railway line project between Pune and Lonavala, which was first approved over two decades ago, remains mired in delays. The project, deemed vital for enhancing rail connectivity and reducing congestion between Pune and Mumbai, has failed to take off due to unresolved financial responsibilities between the central and state governments.

Central Railway General Manager Dharmveer Meena recently highlighted that the government has yet to decide how much each will contribute to the ₹943.60 crore project. Until this is resolved, the commencement of work remains uncertain.

The Pune-Lonavala railway section serves as a critical link for Mumbai-bound trains heading towards southern India. While substantial funds have been allocated for other infrastructure projects, including ₹1,600 crore for the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and ₹25,000 crore for metro projects in the last five years, the relatively modest Pune-Lonavala railway expansion has seen no progress.

Originally approved in 1997-98, a development plan for the project was prepared in 2014-15. The Railway Board presented a detailed project report in 2016, estimating the cost. Although then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced state budget approval for the project in 2024, subsequent neglect has left the 63.84-kilometer expansion plan untouched.

Critics accuse the central and state governments of prioritizing politically advantageous projects like the metro while sidelining long-standing demands for railway upgrades. The continued delay in implementing the Pune-Lonavala third and fourth line project is adversely impacting railway traffic and revenue.