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Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
CR completes DPR for revised semi high-speed Pune-Ahilyanagar-Shirdi-Nashik rail corridor
The Central Railway (CR) has completed the detailed project report (DPR) for the revised semi high-speed railway corridor connecting Pune, Ahilyanagar, Shirdi and Nashik. The development comes after union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in January 2025 instructed the railway administration to develop a new DPR taking into consideration the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad, Junnar, an international-level telescope research facility that was coming in the way of the original alignment of the Pune-Nashik route. CR completes DPR for revised semi high-speed Pune-Ahilyanagar-Shirdi-Nashik rail corridor. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) Engineers from the CR's Pune division conducted extensive surveys and completed the DPR. Currently, final corrections are being made to the paperwork, and the revised report is expected to be submitted to the ministry of railways within a week. Mohit Singh, deputy chief engineer of CR's Pune division, said, 'Final revisions to the DPR are underway and the document will soon be submitted to higher authorities. Once approved, the project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between key cities in Maharashtra and promote regional development.' Despite demands from local residents and some political representatives that the project follow the old route which had already seen land acquisition in areas such as Nashik, Sinnar and Shirdi, the new alignment was finalised to ensure that the GMRT facility remains unaffected. As per the new DPR, the Pune-Ahilyanagar stretch will run parallel to the existing highway while a fresh alignment has been proposed for the Shirdi-Nashik segment. The total length of the new Pune-Nashik rail line will be approximately 235 kilometres, with Pune to Ahilyanagar accounting for 125 kilometres and Shirdi to Nashik covering about 82 kilometres. Though the revised route may increase travel time by around 45 minutes as compared to the older alignment, railway officials have assured that the new route is obstacle-free and technically sound. Member of Parliament Dr Amol Kolhe said, 'It is technically feasible to construct the rail line either on elevated structures or through tunnels without disturbing the GMRT. The route holds industrial and agricultural significance and benefits both job-seeking commuters and farmers alike.'
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MPs demand restoration of original Pune-Nashik high-speed rail route
Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Pune region representing the Nationalist Congress Party/NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) have demanded that the originally proposed route for the Pune-Nashik high-speed railway project be retained while raising concerns over the decision to change the alignment due to the presence of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Khodad, Junnar taluka. Citing global examples of coexistence between railway and radio telescope facilities in Germany, the US, Australia, and South Africa, the MPs have questioned why the GMRT project should pose an obstacle to the rail line in India. The meeting saw the participation of MPs Supriya Sule, Shrirang Barne, Omprakash Nimbalkar, Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil, Dr Amol Kolhe, Bhausaheb Waghchaure, Nilesh Lanke, Vishal Patil, Rajani Patil, Nitin Jadhav-Patil, Shivaji Kalge, Maya Narolia and Dr Medha Kulkarni. (HT) The issue was discussed during a meeting held on Monday under the chairmanship of Central Railway (CR) general manager Dharamveer Meena, with principal department heads and divisional railway managers of Pune and Solapur also present. The meeting saw the participation of MPs Supriya Sule, Shrirang Barne, Omprakash Nimbalkar, Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil, Dr Amol Kolhe, Bhausaheb Waghchaure, Nilesh Lanke, Vishal Patil, Rajani Patil, Nitin Jadhav-Patil, Shivaji Kalge, Maya Narolia and Dr Medha Kulkarni. During the meeting, Sule was unanimously elected as the chairperson of the railway coordination committee. The originally proposed route for the Pune-Nashik high-speed railway project passed through Khodad in Junnar taluka which is home to Asia's largest radio telescope, the GMRT. However, union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently stated that the rail line would no longer pass through this region due to potential interference with the scientific facility. As a result, a new alignment of Pune – Ahilya Nagar – Shirdi – Nashik is currently under consideration with a detailed project report (DPR) being prepared for the same. However, the MPs urged reconsideration, stating that GMRT officials are not opposed to the project itself but have only raised concerns regarding technical safeguards. 'It is possible to design the route to either go underground or on elevated tracks near the GMRT. The land acquisition has already been completed in parts of Nashik, Sinnar and Shirdi and the rail line holds great significance for both farmers and industrial workers. The railway should revise the earlier DPR and proceed with the original alignment, which is both practical and beneficial,' said Dr Kolhe. Meanwhile during the meeting, Rajya Sabha (RS) MP Dr Kulkarni proposed renaming Pune Railway Station after the Maratha Empire's legendary leader, Shrimant Thorale Bajirao Peshwe. She stated that while Pune boasts a rich historical heritage, there is no visible reflection of its past at the city's main railway station. 'Pune station should reflect the country's legacy just as other railway stations and airports across India do,' Kulkarni said.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bhujbal set to revive old route of Pune-Nashik rail corridor
: The Pune-Nashik semi high-speed railway corridor project, which was greenlit five years ago but failed to take off over a conflict in its alignment (see box), was back in discussion on Friday, with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Chhagan Bhujbal holding a meeting with officials of Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (Maharail), followed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis about the future course of action. The original proposed route of the semi high-speed railway -- Pune-Chakan-Rajgurunagar-Manchar-Narayangaon-Sangamner-Sinnar-Nashik – had to be reconsidered when the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) which set up and maintains the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Narayangaon, objected to the corridor passing through the vicinity. The GMRT is an array of 30 fully steerable parabolic radio telescopes of 45 metre diameter. It is the largest and most sensitive radio telescope array in the world at low frequencies. A second route on the corridor was therefore proposed by the railways with a diversion to Ahilyanagar, skirting Narayangaon, in December 2024, which irked Bhujbal. Fast connectivity is significant to the Pune-Nashik belt, as it is considered the second most important region for industrial development in the state, after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). It is called the golden triangle of Maharashtra as many industries – automobile, IT, pharmaceuticals, textile and chemicals -- flourish here. The veteran leader from Nashik has now insisted that the project be implemented soon along the original route, albeit passing 15 kilometers away from the observatory, with a deadline of 2027-28, ahead of the Kumbh. The state government had appointed Maharail to construct the 236-km long railway line, and planned to raise ₹16,039 crore for the project, through 60% loan from financial institutions and 40% equity of Maharail. An officer from Maharail said, 'The project report prepared by Maharail was given a green signal by Niti Ayog in 2020, and as the railway ministry was involved, the final clearance was awaited from the Centre's cabinet committee on economic affairs. The plan was interrupted as experts from NCRA pointed out that the pantograph device on the train transfers electricity from the overhead high-tension power lines creating frequency which could affect the working of the observatory. They demanded a change in alignment.' The railway ministry proposed a change in the alignment in December 2024, with a diversion through Ahilyanagar and Shirdi, skipping some parts of Nashik district. It would however add 80 kilometers to the journey. Bhujbal objected to the rerouting and batted in favour of the old route as, he said, 'the original route would be close to the approach road to the proposed Vadhavan port and will benefit more to the state and national economy'. In his letter to Fadnavis on May 16, Bhujbal had said: 'The railway ministry's proposed change with an 80 kilometre detour should be rejected. Maharail can build an underground tunnel near the observatory to resolve the issue of disturbance to the frequency.' That was however cast aside as it was presumed it would add to the overall cost. Bhujbal's second option presented to Maharail officials on Friday was to make a slight change in the alignment near the location of the observatory with a diversion of 15 kilometers to avoid interfering with the GMRT's frequency. He told HT, 'The project has been stuck for years. So, after a meeting with Maharail officials I met CM Fadnavis, and made him aware of the new possibilities on the old route. I requested him to consider it and expedite the work. I also suggested that going forward a separate line be created to connect to Shirdi.' When HT reached out to the chief minister on a text message about the future course of the route, he wrote back saying: 'We are Ok with the railway ministry's proposal. The change of alignment is inevitable because on our earlier proposed route falls a very important observatory which is hosted by 32 countries and you can't have a right of way around that. This new route will take 40 minutes more and will also cover Shirdi as a destination.' Fadnavis has directed officers in the chief minister's office (CMO) to look into Maharail's proposal and changes suggested by Bhujbal. After scrutinising both routes, the state government will take a final decision, said an officer in the know.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Pune-Nashik railway corridor realignment being finalised: Vaishnaw
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said the realignment plan for the Pune-Nashik railway project is being finalised, and work will begin once the Maharashtra government grants approval. The earlier alignment of the proposed high-speed rail corridor passed through the 15-km restricted zone around the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad village near Narayangaon, around 60 km from Pune. Also Read: Explained | Why a high-speed railway project in Maharashtra has astronomers concerned Scientists had raised concerns that the movement of trains through this zone could interfere with the functioning of the radio observatory. Mr. Vaishnaw on Saturday (May 3, 2025) said, "The GMRT holds great scientific significance, having been established with collaboration from 23 countries. Its operations could be hampered by the earlier alignment, so a realignment is being prepared to avoid any interference. Once the state government approves the new route, work can proceed." The GMRT, located about 80 km from Pune, operates in the 150-1420 MHz frequency range and comprises 30 antennas, each 45 metres in diameter. It is managed by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Mr. Vaishnaw also announced a major upgrade for Pune railway station, citing the city's historical and industrial importance. He said the station would be equipped with world-class facilities and four new platforms. He was speaking after flagging off two new express trains, the Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express and the MGR Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express from Hadapsar near Pune. The Minister also said the redevelopment plans for six stations — Pune, Hadapsar, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Uruli Kanchan, and Alandi are in their final stages. He said discussions were held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding a Vande Bharat train between Pune and Nagpur.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
New route for Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail project away from GMRT: Railway minister
Pune: Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday that the new alignment of Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail corridor is now ready and the same has been sent to the Maharashtra government for approval. Vaishnaw, who was in Pune for the inauguration of two trains, said, "The GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) is a very important facility and 24 countries have come together and formed this facility. It cannot be interfered with as any interference will stop the progress of humanity. Therefore, we have finalised an alternative route and sent it to the Maharashtra government for approval. Once it is approved, the work will start." You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune He said that Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited had taken shortcuts to create the first DPR of the project. "Had they considered the observatory (GMRT) before preparing the first DPR, which was cancelled, this problem wouldn't have happened. They took some short cuts which shouldn't have been taken," Vaishaw told newspersons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Earlier this month, Vaishnaw had assured that the route of the project would be realigned. Shirur MP Amol Kolhe and former minister and NCP leader Chagan Bhujbal had been opposing the realignment of the railway corridor. Asked about the new realigned route, Vaishaw said, "These details will be announced very soon right after it is approved by the state government. The original route alignment of the project was designed to provide connectivity via Sinnar, Sangamner, Narayangaon, Manchar and Chakan." The GMRT is located along the original alignment at Khodad, around 80km north of Pune. Vaishnav added that special care was being taken for development of Pune rail division and the Pune railway station. "We had promised a few months ago that a master plan will be readied to double the capacity of the Pune station. It is now ready. Stations like Hadapsar, Alandi, Shivajinagar, Uruli, Khadki and Pune are included in the plan. Not just Pune, the same is being planned for other cities in Maharashtra as well," the minister said. He said that planning was being done seriously for development of Pune railway station. "Pune is a big city and needs more platforms. I have instructed the officials to set up stabling lines in other stations and not Pune, and focus on increasing the number of platforms. Some additional land needed for the station's development and I have been informed by Rail Land Development Authority that the land is in their possession now," the minister said. He added that the detailed project report of the third and fourth line between Pune and Lonavla was ready. "The work will now gain pace. The state government will approve the same soon following which we will place it before the central cabinet for approval. Also, the DPR of a direct rail line between Pune and Ahmednagar is ready. It will be a double line and I have studied it and instructed officials to ensure that less land is acquired for the same and they should explore it," he said. Vaishnav added that 900 modern kitchens where food would be prepared for trains were being constructed. "Of these, 550 kitchens are ready. Live kitchens in trains are risky as a fire can happen any time. All the kitchens will be ready by the end of this financial year," he said.
