In a significant development for Maharashtra's infrastructure, the Indian Railways has finalised a revised route alignment for the much-anticipated high-speed rail corridor connecting Nashik and Pune. The new plan successfully navigates around the sensitive scientific zone of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), clearing a major hurdle for the project.
Revised Route Connects Key Hubs
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the progress in the Lok Sabha. The earlier proposed alignment, which passed near the GMRT observatory at Narayangaon, was deemed unfeasible. Scientific bodies, including the Department of Science & Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy, had raised concerns that railway operations could cause disruptive interference with the telescope's critical astronomical observations.
After extensive consultations with the Maharashtra government, technical experts, and local representatives, the Railways charted an alternate path. The revised alignment will start from Nashik and connect to Sainagar Shirdi. From there, the route will proceed through Puntamba, Nimblak, and Ahilyanagar, before making its final approach to Pune via the bustling Chakan Industrial Estate.
Substantial Progress on Ground and Paper
The project has already seen concrete advancements on several fronts. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for doubling the existing Nashik Road to Sainagar Shirdi line is complete. Furthermore, ₹240 crore has been sanctioned specifically for doubling the 17-kilometre stretch between Sainagar Shirdi and Puntamba.
Significant groundwork is already in place. The 80-km section from Puntamba to Nimblak has been fully doubled. Work is currently underway to double the 6-km segment linking Nimblak to Ahilyanagar. For the most substantial new construction, a Detailed Project Report worth ₹8,970 crore has been prepared for building new double lines across the 133-km stretch from Ahilyanagar to Pune, which includes the crucial link to Chakan.
A Catalyst for Regional Growth
This direct rail link is poised to be a transformative force for the region. By seamlessly connecting two major metropolitan hubs, it will:
- Boost Tourism: Enhance access to major pilgrimage and heritage sites like Trimbakeshwar, Shirdi, and historical locations in Pune.
- Strengthen Industry: Provide a major logistics boost to the Chakan Industrial Estate and other manufacturing belts, improving freight and passenger mobility for workers and businesses.
- Improve Connectivity: Foster stronger cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between the two cities and the towns along the route.
The new alignment demonstrates a successful balance between ambitious infrastructure development and the imperative to protect sensitive scientific research, paving the way for accelerated progress on this vital connectivity project.
