Nashik: No Route Finalised Yet For Nashik-Pune Railway, Clarifies MP Rajabhau Waje

Recent reports have stirred confusion among citizens regarding the Nashik–Pune railway project, with some falsely claiming the final route has been decided or that the entire project has received approval. Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje has clarified that this is not accurate. The initial proposal was for a direct route from Nashik–Sinnar–Sangamner–Narayangaon–Chakan–Pune.

However, technical concerns emerged due to the potential impact on the scientific operations of the GMRT observatory at Khodad near Narayangaon. Consequently, alternative routes have been under consideration.

To address this, the Maharashtra government has formed an expert committee under Dr Anil Kakodkar to conduct a thorough technical and scientific evaluation of various alternatives before submitting its report. Since the committee's report hasn't been received yet, it would be premature to claim any specific route has been finalized.

The Nashik–Shirdi section spans approximately 95 km, while the Ahilyanagar–Pune route is about 133 km long. While progress may have been made on the DPR process or land acquisition for these sections, the full Nashik–Pune railway route's final approval hasn't been granted.

Waje emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the GMRT, a nationally significant scientific project, and stresses the need to carefully examine technical alternatives like tunnels, elevated corridors, and route adjustments. All these considerations must be weighed before deciding on a feasible route that aligns with technical feasibility and larger public interest, he says.

The Nashik–Pune railway, crucial for industrial, agricultural, employment, educational, and tourism development in Nashik and North Maharashtra, warrants a decision rooted in thorough deliberation and public good.