Pune: After years of anticipation, the Baramati-Phaltan railway line project has officially begun its first phase of implementation. The railway department has started the groundwork, focusing on soil filling and embankment preparation in the Tandulwadi and Sawantwadi areas from the Baramati side, and near Kuranewadi from the Phaltan side.

The Baramati-Phaltan-Lonand railway line, which was initially approved in the 1997-1998 railway budget, has faced significant delays, with land acquisition taking 26 years to complete.

With the land acquisition now finalized, the railway department has swiftly moved forward with the project. The initial phase involves soil work, expected to be completed within a year, followed by station construction and track laying, with a projected completion date of December 2026.

This 37-kilometer railway line will include several major infrastructure elements such as large bridges, minor bridges, and railway overbridges, and will feature three new stations—New Baramati, Malwadi, and Dhakale.

The line is designed to be electrified from the outset. Once completed, this new route will significantly reduce travel time and distance on the Bangalore route, offering a more direct connection between Baramati, Phaltan, and Lonand, with an expected reduction of 62 kilometers in travel distance.

Key Details of the Railway Line:

• The Baramati-Phaltan railway line will be 37 kilometers long.

• It will include four large bridges, 26 major bridges, 23 minor bridges, and 7 ROBs (Railway Over Bridges).

• Bridges will be constructed over the Nira and Karha rivers and the Nira Left Canal.

• Three new railway stations—New Baramati, Malwadi, and Dhakale—will be constructed on this line.

• A single-track railway line will be laid in the first phase.

• The railway line will be electrified from the beginning.

• The railway department aims to complete the work within two years, with a budget of 600 crore rupees to be spent over two phases.

Time and Distance Savings: Currently, to travel on the Bangalore route, one has to cover a distance of 166 kilometers from Pune to Lonand and from Daund to Pune.

After the completion of the Baramati-Phaltan-Lonand railway line, this distance will be reduced to 104 kilometers, saving 62 kilometers. This will result in savings in time, fuel, and there will be no need to change the engine's direction.