Pune: In a significant step towards enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and Pune, the long-pending project to add third and fourth tracks to the Pune-Lonavala railway route may soon see progress.

Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, recently held discussions with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar regarding the state's share of the project costs. The state government has responded positively, indicating a willingness to proceed.

Despite years of demand, the addition of the third and fourth tracks on the Pune-Lonavala railway route has been pending, primarily due to unresolved issues regarding equal cost-sharing between the central and state governments.

A decision on this matter is expected soon, with directives given for the state to move forward following Minister Mohol's meeting.

Providing more details, Minister Mohol said, "The state government has shown a positive stance regarding its half share of the project, and further follow-up will be pursued with the central government.

Once the issue of these additional tracks is resolved, traffic on the Pune-Mumbai railway route will speed up, and the pace of goods trains will increase, thus avoiding freight congestion."

Minister Mohol also mentioned, "For passengers traveling between Pune and Lonavala, the number of local trains can be increased, providing significant relief. Considering the escalating project costs and delays, efforts are underway to expedite the resolution of this issue."