Pune, 30th June 2023: The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is currently facing challenges in the execution of the Pune-Lonavla railway project due to escalating costs. The MRVC is in the process of preparing a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of the third and fourth lines between Pune and Lonavla railway stations, taking into account the increased expenses. The revised report is expected to be submitted within the next 15 days.
While the department responsible for the project is yet to be finalized, sources from the railways indicate that the construction department of the Central Railway is likely to undertake the task. The ultimate decision regarding the department’s responsibility will be made by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
The project encompasses 17 stations along the route, including Pune, Shivajinagar, Khadki, Dapodi, Kasarwadi, Pimpri, Chinchwad, Akurdi, Dehuroad, Begdewadi, Ghorwadi, Talegaon, Vadgaon, Kanhe, Kamshet, Malvali, and Lonavla.
The cost of the project has significantly increased since the previous report was prepared four years ago, with estimates rising from five thousand crores to seven thousand crores. There are concerns about assigning the project to ‘Maharail’ as their expertise primarily lies in laying routes at new locations, whereas this project involves laying two additional lines adjacent to the existing double lane. Officials, speaking anonymously, suggest that the Central Railway is better equipped to handle the complexities of the Pune-Lonavla project.
The project involves technically complex tasks such as yard remodeling, changing signal poles, and track work, making it more suitable for the railway organization to undertake rather than outsourcing to another entity.
A recent meeting was held in Mumbai, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, to discuss the third and fourth line between Pune and Lonavla Railway. The state government has agreed to contribute 50 percent of the project’s total cost, leading to suggestions of assigning the project to the Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure Development Corporation (Maharail). However, the final decision regarding the responsible department rests with the railway ministry.
No official decision has been made regarding ‘Maharail’ undertaking the work on the Pune-Lonavla route. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is scheduled to meet Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to further discuss the matter. The clarification regarding the department responsible for the project will be provided after the meeting.
Vineet Toke, Public Relations Officer of Maharail, Mumbai, expressed willingness to undertake the project if granted permission.
Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer of MRVC, Mumbai, confirmed that the work on the revised report for the two new routes between Pune and Lonavla is currently underway. The project currently falls under the jurisdiction of MRVC.
