Pune, 10th August 2026: The Central Railway administration has decided to permanently close seven railway crossings on the Pune–Lonavala route to improve safety and increase the average speed of trains. Flyovers or underpasses will be constructed at these locations to provide alternative road connectivity.
The 64.4-km Pune–Lonavala route is one of the busiest sections of the Pune division of Central Railway. Around 158 trains operate on the route every day, including local, express, Vande Bharat and freight trains. More than two lakh passengers travel on the corridor daily.
There are currently nine railway crossings on the Pune–Lonavala route. The railway administration has approved plans to construct flyovers at seven locations, while the closure of two additional crossings has also been proposed.
The seven crossings planned for closure are:
36A: Near Malavli station
38A: Between Kamshet and Malavli
43A and 45A: Between Kamshet and Vadgaon
49A: Near Vadgaon station
52A: Near Shelarwadi station
61A: Between Pimpri and Dapodi
Flyovers or underpasses will be provided at these locations so that road traffic can cross the railway line without affecting train operations.
The railway administration has also proposed the closure of crossings 62A and 62AA between Dapodi and Khadki.
The move is aimed at reducing accidents and delays at level crossings, particularly on a route where both train and road traffic have increased significantly.
The Pune–Lonavala corridor carries local trains as well as long-distance passenger and freight services. Several trains travelling between Mumbai and other parts of the country also use this route.
The project is also expected to reduce waiting time for motorists at railway gates and improve the overall flow of traffic along the corridor.
Railway officials said eliminating level crossings will reduce the risk of collisions and allow trains to operate more efficiently without being affected by road traffic.
“The railway administration has planned to close seven railway crossings on the Pune–Lonavala route to prevent accidents. Flyovers or underpasses will be constructed at these locations to ensure safe movement of road and rail traffic,” said Hemant Kumar Behera, Public Relations Officer, Pune Division, Central Railway.
The proposed permanent closure of the Kasarwadi railway crossing has, however, faced opposition from local residents. Some residents staged a protest against the decision and demanded that the crossing remain accessible.
Residents and corporator Manisha Lande have also approached Maval MP Shrirang Barne, seeking his intervention in the matter.
Route length: 64.4 km
Stations: 17
Daily trains: Around 158
Existing railway crossings: 9
Crossings approved for closure: 7
Additional crossings proposed for closure: 2
Daily passengers: More than 2 lakh
Services: Local, express, Vande Bharat and freight trains
The closure of the crossings and construction of grade-separated alternatives is expected to strengthen safety on the Pune–Lonavala route while helping Central Railway improve train operations on one of its busiest corridors.
