Pune-Nashik High-Speed Rail May Go Underground Near GMRT to Protect Giant Radio Telescope
Central Railway Introduces Season Tickets Between Jeur and Pune on Trial Basis
Pune, June 24, 2025: The much-anticipated Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed railway project has encountered a technical hurdle as scientists raise concerns over its proximity to the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Khodad, near Narayangaon, Junnar. The railway alignment, as per the original Detailed Project Report (DPR), could potentially interfere with the sensitive radio signals monitored by GMRT — one of the world’s largest and most prestigious radio telescopes.
To address these concerns, authorities are now exploring the possibility of constructing a tunnel or elevated track near the GMRT to ensure the telescope’s safety without halting the railway project. Officials clarified that GMRT scientists are not opposing the project, but have requested protective measures for their facility.
All-Party Delegation Pushes for Original Alignment
On Monday, an all-party delegation of MPs from Pune division met with Central Railway General Manager Dharamveer Meena, and senior railway officials from the Pune and Solapur divisions. During the meeting, MPs urged the railway ministry to retain the original route of the Pune-Nashik rail corridor and revise the DPR if required, instead of delaying the project further.
Prominent MPs present included Supriya Sule, Shrirang Barne, Dr. Amol Kolhe, Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil, Omprakash Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Waghchaure, Nilesh Lanke, Rajani Patil, and others. Supriya Sule was unanimously elected as the chairperson of the newly formed Railway Development Committee for the region.
Land Acquisition Completed in Nashik Region
Dr. Amol Kolhe emphasized that land acquisition has already been completed in parts of Nashik, Sinnar, and Shirdi, making it a crucial time to move ahead. He reiterated the economic and agricultural importance of the railway corridor, especially for farmers and industrial workers, and recommended continuing the project on the previously approved alignment.
Demand to Rename Pune Railway Station
At the same meeting, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Medha Kulkarni proposed renaming Pune Railway Station to ‘Shrimant Thorale Bajirao Peshwa Railway Station’, highlighting the city’s rich historical legacy. She added that railway stations across India should reflect the nation’s cultural heritage, especially during renovation works.
