Railway Minister Assures Support For Pune-Nashik Rail Project Amid Route Dispute
Railway Minister Assures Support For Pune-Nashik Rail Project Amid Route Dispute
The Pune-Nashik Semi High-Speed Rail Project, initially planned by the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation, has been awaiting central cabinet approval for several years. However, objections raised by the GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) project led to the cancellation of the original Detailed Project Report (DPR) and a proposed rerouting of the railway line via Ahilyanagar and Shirdi.
MP Dr. Amol Kolhe recently met with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging that the project follow its original alignment. In response, Vaishnaw assured that the project would be executed by Central Railway and agreed to organize a joint meeting between GMRT and railway experts to find a resolution.
The proposed route change has faced opposition from farmers and local representatives in Khed, Ambegaon, Junnar, and parts of Ahmednagar district, who argue that the original route is vital for regional development. Dr. Kolhe emphasized the need to maintain the initial alignment to support economic growth and urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to expedite the project.
