The Pune–Nashik high-speed rail project has been realigned to avoid the sensitive Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) zone, following extensive consultations between the Ministry of Railways, scientific bodies, and regional stakeholders. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed in the Lok Sabha that the revised ₹16,000-crore corridor will now bypass the radio-quiet Narayangaon region in Pune district, ensuring uninterrupted operations at India’s premier radio astronomy facility while maintaining efficient connectivity between Pune and Nashik.
The earlier alignment had drawn opposition from the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy, which flagged potential disruptions to international research activities at GMRT. Responding to these concerns, the Railways finalised an alternative route passing through Nashik–Sainagar Shirdi–Puntamba–Nimblak–Ahilyanagar–Pune, which skirts the observatory while traversing the industrial belt in Chakan. Officials noted that the adjustment adds only a marginal difference in projected travel times, balancing scientific protection with economic and commuter efficiency.
Progress along the corridor is underway, with several segments already completed or sanctioned. The doubling of the 17-km Shirdi–Puntamba line has been allocated ₹240 crore, while the 80-km Puntamba–Nimblak stretch is complete, and work continues on the 6-km Nimblak–Ahilyanagar section. For the remaining 133 km between Ahilyanagar and Pune via Chakan, a detailed project report (DPR) totalling ₹8,970 crore has been prepared, highlighting the scale and technical sophistication of the project.Urban planners and transport specialists emphasise that the revised alignment demonstrates a balance between infrastructural development and sustainable urban governance. “Protecting critical scientific assets while improving regional connectivity reflects responsible planning,” said a senior urban transport expert. The corridor is expected to significantly enhance mobility for pilgrims, tourists, and business travellers, directly linking cultural and historical destinations such as Nashik, Shirdi, and Pune.
Industry analysts also highlight the wider economic impact. By connecting industrial hubs in Chakan and Pimpri-Chinchwad to major urban centres, the rail project is poised to reduce road congestion, lower travel times, and stimulate regional economic activity. Integrating high-speed rail with local transport networks will further support Pune’s vision of a sustainable, low-carbon metropolitan transit framework.The Railways’ approach underscores the importance of inclusive planning and stakeholder consultation in large-scale infrastructure projects. By safeguarding scientific research while delivering enhanced intercity connectivity, the Pune–Nashik high-speed rail alignment serves as a model for balancing technological, environmental, and economic priorities in India’s growing urban corridors.
Pune Nashik High Speed Rail Realigned Protecting GMRT Zone Ensuring Connectivity Efficiency
