Nashik-Pune Railway Route Not Finalised Yet

Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje has clarified that the final route for the Nashik-Pune railway project has not been decided yet. Certain reports had created confusion among citizens regarding the project's route via Nashik-Shirdi.

The initial proposal for the Nashik-Pune railway was a direct route connecting Nashik-Sinnar-Sangamner-Narayangaon-Chakan-Pune. However, technical concerns arose due to the potential impact on the scientific operations of the GMRT observatory at Khodad near Narayangaon.

As a result, alternative routes are being considered. The Maharashtra government has constituted an expert committee under the chairmanship of senior nuclear scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar to conduct a technical and scientific study of various alternatives.

Waje stated that since the committee's report has not been received yet, it would be inappropriate to claim that any particular route has been finalised. The approximately 95-km Nashik-Shirdi route and the approximately 133-km Ahilyanagar-Pune route are separate sections, and although the DPR process or land acquisition for these routes may have progressed, it cannot be concluded that the entire Nashik-Pune railway route has received final approval.

The GMRT is a nationally important scientific project that must be protected, Waje stressed. At the same time, he said serious consideration should be given to whether a direct Nashik-Pune railway route can be developed without affecting the functioning of the GMRT.

All technical alternatives, including tunnels, elevated corridors, and changes in alignment, should be thoroughly examined before deciding on a feasible route, he demanded. The Nashik-Pune railway is an important project for the development of industry, agriculture, employment, education, and tourism in Nashik and across North Maharashtra.

Therefore, the final decision should be taken only after the Kakodkar Committee submits its report, keeping technical feasibility and larger public interest in mind, Waje said. Other leaders, including MP Bhaskar Bhagre, have also echoed Waje's sentiments, stating that it would not be appropriate to claim that any route has been finalised before the Kakodkar Committee submits its report.

The Nashik-Pune railway project is a crucial one for the region, and its successful implementation will have a significant impact on the local economy and infrastructure. As such, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure that the project is completed in a timely and efficient manner, while also protecting the interests of the GMRT and the local community.

In conclusion, the final route for the Nashik-Pune railway project has not been decided yet, and the expert committee's report will play a crucial role in determining the project's future.

The people of Nashik and North Maharashtra are eagerly awaiting the completion of this project, which is expected to bring significant benefits to the region.

It remains to be seen how the project will progress in the coming months, but one thing is certain - the Nashik-Pune railway project is a vital one for the region, and its successful implementation will have a lasting impact on the local economy and infrastructure.