PUNE, November 2025 —In a significant move to bolster safety across its network, the Pune rail division has completed the fencing of approximately 92.416 kilometers of its Lonavla-Pune-Daund railway stretch, a region identified as prone to track trespassing incidents. This initiative is part of a broader effort to curb fatalities and enhance the overall security of railway operations, particularly as train speeds increase with modern rolling stock.

The ambitious project, which commenced earlier in 2024, aims to secure the entire 290km stretch. Officials anticipate the comprehensive fencing work, along with the construction of strategically placed subways to facilitate safe public passage across tracks, to be fully completed by April 2026. The total investment for this critical safety upgrade is estimated at Rs 234.64 crore.

This extensive fencing effort is a direct response to alarming statistics on track trespassing. In the past year, the Pune division recorded 435 such incidents resulting in 385 deaths, with figures for the current year up to October showing 350 incidents and 298 fatalities. The introduction of high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express and the increasing use of LHB coaches necessitate a drastic reduction in these preventable accidents.

To ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the new infrastructure, the railway division will employ CCTV surveillance for monitoring. Furthermore, railway authorities have issued stern warnings regarding serious legal consequences for any attempts to disrupt or damage the newly installed fences. Similar safety enhancement projects are also underway in other divisions, such as the Solapur rail division's extensive fencing efforts.

This comprehensive safety upgrade underscores the Indian Railways' commitment to reducing human casualties and improving operational reliability. By addressing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities, the project contributes to the broader goal of modernizing the rail network and ensuring the safety of passengers and communities living near railway lines.

Source: The Times of India