GMRT to Stay Intact: Railway Minister Rules Out Relocation for Pune-Nashik Railway Project
GMRT to Stay Intact: Railway Minister Rules Out Relocation for Pune-Nashik Railway Project
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured that the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), located in Khodad village near Narayangaon, approximately 60 km from Pune, will not be relocated to accommodate the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed railway project. The announcement was made during a press conference at C-DAC, Pune, and reported by news agency PTI.
आता वेळ आली आहे संघर्षाची, एकजुटीची !
— Satyajeet Tambe (@satyajeettambe) January 11, 2025
GMRT केंद्राचे कारण पुढे करून पुणे-नाशिक सेमी हायस्पीड रेल्वेचा मार्ग बदलण्याची तयारी केंद्र सरकारने सुरू केली आहे.
हा रेल्वे प्रकल्प सरळ मार्गानेच व्हावा यासाठी सर्वपक्षीय नेत्यांनी, सामाजिक क्षेत्रातील व्यक्तींनी एकत्र येत कृती समिती… pic.twitter.com/1SQUiF1f2Z
Vaishnaw clarified that altering the alignment of the railway project is the only feasible solution to address concerns about the telescope’s operational integrity. “The GMRT is not just a national asset but also a vital research facility involving 23 countries. Relocating it would significantly weaken its scientific capabilities,” he explained.
The GMRT, situated off the Pune-Nashik Highway, has faced uncertainty following the Centre’s in-principle approval for the railway project. Researchers expressed concerns over potential disruptions, prompting NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe to propose relocating the telescope. However, Vaishnaw firmly rejected the idea, citing the challenges of gaining international consensus and the adverse impact on scientific research.
To resolve the conflict, the railway ministry is exploring alternate alignments. One option involves adjusting the route along the Manmad-Ahilyanagar-Daund section, which already has existing infrastructure. Another potential alignment is the Nashik-Shirdi-Ahilyanagar-Pune high-speed route.
Vaishnaw reassured that the GMRT will remain undisturbed, emphasizing its significance as a heritage facility. He also confirmed the railway project will proceed with modifications to ensure the telescope’s operations are preserved.
Satyajeet Tambe said, “The central government plans to change the Pune-Nashik Semi High-Speed Railway route, citing the GMRT center. I urge leaders across political parties and citizens to unite and ensure the project follows the original Pune–Manchar–Narayangaon-Sangamner–Sinnar-Nashik route for the region’s future.”
