Pune: In light of Panvel’s upcoming new airport, which is set to become the largest in the country, Shrirang Barne, MP from Maval, has called for the construction of additional railway lines to enhance connectivity. Barne raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, requesting the addition of third and fourth railway tracks between Karjat and Lonavala, as well as between Lonavala and Pune, to facilitate faster train services from Panvel to Pune.
The MP expressed concern over delays in the Pune-Lonavala corridor project, citing land acquisition hurdles as the primary reason. He urged the government to expedite the process, emphasizing the importance of this route for managing the high passenger traffic between Mumbai and Pune.
Barne also requested the restoration of the 1:30 PM local train from Lonavala to Pune, which was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation of this service has caused significant inconvenience for workers, students, and women commuters.
Referring to the recent Union Budget allocation of ₹2.52 lakh crore for railway modernization, Barne pointed out that Maharashtra would receive ₹23,778 crore for its railway development projects. He proposed including Karjat and Neral railway stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme and suggested increasing the frequency of the Matheran toy train, which currently operates at a slower pace than before.
Additionally, Barne urged authorities to upgrade passenger amenities at stations developed by CIDCO between Panvel and Mumbai. He also called for better facilities at railway stations and the restoration of senior citizen travel concessions.
