Pune-Nashik Rail Route Dispute Intensifies
The proposed Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed railway corridor has become a flashpoint between political leaders and railway authorities, with concerns ranging from economic development to scientific sustainability. Former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal has urged the government to retain the old alignment, citing its importance for industrial growth in Nashik and efficient freight movement. However, the Union railway ministry remains firm on a realignment to protect the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), an internationally acclaimed research facility. The change in route is expected to safeguard scientific research, but critics argue it may come at the cost of economic opportunities.
The GMRT, located in Khodad near Narayangaon, is the world’s most sensitive radio telescope for low-frequency observations and has played a pivotal role in space research. Scientists argue that electromagnetic interference from railway operations could compromise its data accuracy. To address this, the railway ministry has proposed a new alignment via Ahilyanagar, Puntamba, and Sainagar in Shirdi, bypassing GMRT altogether. However, Bhujbal contends that constructing a tunnel near GMRT would be a viable solution, ensuring both scientific integrity and industrial growth. The state government, which is expected to bear 50% of the project’s cost, has yet to make a final decision.
From an urban development perspective, the new alignment could affect connectivity to key industrial clusters in Chakan and Nashik, raising concerns about investment potential. Bhujbal insists that the original route—passing through Sinnar, Sangamner, Narayangaon, Manchar, and Rajgurunagar—is the shortest and most economically beneficial. He also advocates for integrating the project with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which could improve freight movement to the Wadhawan Port without routing through Mumbai. While the proposed realignment will reduce travel distance by 60 km and benefit religious tourism to Shirdi, industry stakeholders fear it may not serve Maharashtra’s manufacturing ecosystem as effectively as the original plan.
The sustainability aspect of the project remains a key concern. Reducing environmental impact through an optimised rail corridor is crucial for long-term urban planning. While GMRT’s protection aligns with scientific and environmental priorities, a well-planned tunnel solution, as suggested by Bhujbal, could mitigate ecological disruption without compromising Nashik’s industrial development. With stakeholders divided and economic, scientific, and civic interests at play, the state government faces a complex decision in balancing technological progress with sustainable urban expansion.
