Concerns Over Metro Route Near Shri Shankar Maharaj Samadhi In Pune, Trust Writes To MahaMetro Seeking Solution
Concerns Over Metro Route Near Shri Shankar Maharaj Samadhi In Pune, Trust Writes To MahaMetro Seeking Solution
Pune, February 10, 2025 – The Shri Sadguru Santvary Yogiraj Shankar Maharaj Samadhi Trust has raised concerns regarding the underground metro track planning from Swargate to Katraj, urging that the metro alignment should bypass the Shri Shankar Maharaj Samadhi, sanctum, and temple premises.
In an official letter addressed to Atul Gadgil, Director of Works, Maha Metro Pune, the Trust highlighted that the Shri Shankar Maharaj Samadhi Math, located at Dhankawadi, Pune-411043, has been a registered public trust under the Mumbai Public Trusts Act since 1970 (Registration No. A-793). The Samadhi of Shri Shankar Maharaj, a revered saint, was established on April 28, 1947, and has since been preserved under the Trust’s management.
The Trust emphasized that the underground metro project is planned to pass through the Pune-Satara Road near Dhankawadi, directly beneath the Samadhi complex. During a meeting on February 4, 2025, Maha Metro engineers and technicians presented conceptual maps of the metro route to the Trust members and devotees. However, the Trust has expressed uncertainty about the exact distance of the metro alignment from the Samadhi structure.
To address these concerns, the Trust has requested the authorities to physically mark the metro alignment on-site using white indicators, allowing a clear understanding of its proximity to the religious structure. Additionally, the Trust has urged Maha Metro to provide a written assurance that the underground metro route will not pass directly beneath the Samadhi and that there will be no damage or risk posed to the temple premises due to metro construction.
Shri Shankar Maharaj Samadhi Math is considered a significant spiritual center in Pune, attracting devotees from across Maharashtra. Given the religious and emotional sensitivity of the issue, the Trust has also proposed that the nearby metro station be named “Shri Sadguru Shankar Maharaj Samadhi Station” as a mark of respect.
The letter, signed by Trust Secretary Satish Kokate and Trustees Surendra Waikar and Pratap Bhosale, urges Maha Metro authorities to take immediate action to address these concerns.
