Pune: Fencing of vulnerable sections of Lonavla-Pune-Daund railway line is expected to be completed by April next year. So far, 92,416 km of the total 290 km route has been secured, Pune Railway Department officials said. This ambitious project, initiated in early 2024, addresses the alarming number of track violations and associated casualties that have plagued the department. “We expect the entire project to be completed by April next year, although it could be completed even earlier,” said Hemant Kumar Behera, commercial department head and PRO, Pune railway department. “With the installation of these fences, we expect a drastic reduction in track violation incidents,” said. The comprehensive project, costing Rs 234.64 crore, goes beyond just fencing. This includes building strategically placed subways that allow people to safely move from one side of the tracks to the other without risking their lives on the railway lines. Initially, 16 metros were sanctioned for the Pune-Lonavla-Daund section. Following further identification of at-risk areas, three additional sites were added. Construction has begun at 14 of these locations and box casting has already been completed at seven. The urgency of this project is underlined by the recent accident figures. The Pune-Lonavla section stretches for 64 km while the Pune-Daund section covers 73 km. Last year alone, Pune division recorded 435 incidents of trespassing on tracks, resulting in 385 deaths. This year through October there have been 350 incidents and 298 fatalities. Numerous people were also injured in these incidents. “Introduction of new high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express along with increasing number of trains equipped with modern LHB coaches means that train speeds are increasing,” a railway official said. “For this reason, rail fences become even more important for public safety, especially in areas where rail tracks pass through villages and populated businesses.” Officials said various types of fencing, including heavy-duty metal guardrails and welded mesh, were installed. For example, the Solapur railway department is also undertaking massive fencing work along its 700 km stretch. “Net fencing will be installed in highly sensitive areas to completely prevent unauthorized entry,” a Solapur official added, noting that “the metros are primarily designed for the safe movement of villagers, cattle and wild animals.” To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the new infrastructure, railway officials warned of “serious legal consequences” for any disruption to the fences. These areas are also monitored by CCTV cameras to prevent vandalism and unauthorized access.
Pune Railway Department is completing fencing of around 92 km of Lonavla-Pune-Daund section
