Pune-Nashik high-speed rail corridor is set to undergo a significant realignment to mitigate potential interference with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) operations.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the realignment plan is in its final stages and awaits approval from the Maharashtra government before construction can commence. The original alignment of the corridor passed through a 15-kilometre restricted zone around the GMRT at Khodad village near Narayangaon, approximately 60 kilometres from Pune. Scientists had raised concerns that the electromagnetic interference from the movement of trains could disrupt the sensitive observations conducted by the GMRT, which operates in the 150-1420 MHz frequency range and comprises 30 antennas, each 45 metres in diameter.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Railways has prepared an alternative route that avoids the restricted zone, ensuring that the scientific integrity of the GMRT is maintained. Minister Vaishnaw emphasised the importance of the GMRT, highlighting its international collaboration and scientific significance, and assured that the revised alignment would proceed once the state government grants approval. In addition to the realignment, Minister Vaishnaw announced plans for a major upgrade of the Pune railway station. The redevelopment will introduce world-class facilities and four new platforms to accommodate the growing passenger demand. The redevelopment plans for six stations—Pune, Hadapsar, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Uruli Kanchan, and Alandi—are also in their final stages, aiming to enhance the overall passenger experience and infrastructure.
The Pune-Nashik rail corridor is part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity between key cities in Maharashtra, promoting economic growth and regional development. The realignment and station upgrades reflect a commitment to balancing technological advancement with scientific preservation and sustainable urban development. As the project progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about the positive impact on regional connectivity and the preservation of scientific research facilities. The finalisation of the realignment plan and the subsequent approval from the Maharashtra government will mark a significant step forward in the realisation of this ambitious infrastructure project.
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