The Central Railway has made significant progress in installing safety fencing along the trespassing-prone Lonavala-Pune-Daund railway corridor, with nearly half of the project already completed.
Railway officials from the Pune division said the work is expected to be fully finished by August 2026.
The fencing initiative covers a total stretch of about 290 kilometres, of which around 150 kilometres have already been secured. The project was launched in early 2024 to address frequent incidents of trespassing and accidents reported along the busy rail route.
Officials said the corridor is a crucial section for high-speed train movement in the region, making safety measures essential. The remaining work is currently in progress after tenders were awarded for the entire stretch.
The project, sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹209.38 crore, includes the installation of continuous fencing along the railway track to restrict unauthorised access. In addition, pedestrian subways are being constructed at key locations to allow safe movement for people, cattle and small vehicles crossing the railway line.
Railway authorities stated that fencing is being prioritised on routes where train speeds exceed 110 kmph and in other accident-prone areas. The measure forms part of a larger effort by Indian Railways to improve operational safety and reduce fatalities caused by track trespassing.
According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, more than 16,000 kilometres of safety fencing has already been installed across railway zones in the country. Among these, Central Railway has completed around 966 kilometres so far.
Other major contributions include approximately 2,721 kilometres of fencing in the North Central Railway zone and 2,326 kilometres in the South Central Railway zone. Officials said the ongoing project in the Pune division will further strengthen safety along one of the region's busiest railway corridors.