CR officials recall Ajit Pawar’s role in railway expansion in Maharashtra after his demise, say pushed projects aggressively in 2025

According to officials, Pawar took a keen personal interest in projects aimed at improving rail connectivity in western Maharashtra and Marathwada, particularly in Pune, Beed and surrounding regions.

A top Central Railway official said that Ajit Pawar consistently pushed for three major rail projects that he considered priorities — the Daund-Baramati line, the Baramati-Phaltan-Lonand route, and the Ahilyanagar-Beed-Parli Vaijnath corridor.

“These projects were aimed at bridging long-standing connectivity gaps, with Baramati positioned as a central hub,” the official said, adding that Pawar regularly reviewed progress and followed up with railway authorities.

Push for Pune suburban rail upgrade

Ajit Pawar also strongly backed the expansion and upgradation of the Pune suburban railway network, especially the busy Pune-Lonavala section. The project, estimated at Rs 5,100 crore, involved cost-sharing between the Centre and the Maharashtra government, with the state agreeing to bear 50 per cent of the expenditure.

Officials said Pawar viewed the suburban rail upgrade as critical to easing congestion and improving daily travel for commuters in the Pune region.

Beed rail link a long-awaited milestone

In Marathwada, Pawar played a key role in the inauguration of railway connectivity to Beed, a district that had remained without rail access for decades.

“We explained to him how the Beed project had been stalled due to land acquisition issues,” an official recalled. “He took a personal interest in resolving the bottlenecks.”

The project is expected to significantly improve access and economic opportunities in one of Maharashtra’s historically under-connected regions.