Satyajit Tambe Opposes Change In Pune-Nashik High-Speed Railway Route, Calls For Intensifying Protest
Satyajit Tambe Opposes Change In Pune-Nashik High-Speed Railway Route, Calls For Intensifying Protest
Pune: Ex MLA Satyajit Tambe has strongly opposed the proposed change in the Pune-Nashik high-speed railway route via Ahmednagar, calling it a politically motivated move. He argued that this modification would increase the travel distance by nearly 80 km, extending the journey time by 1.5 hours, which contradicts the concept of a “high-speed” railway.
The initial route—Pune to Nashik via Chakan, Manchar, Narayangaon, Sangamner, and Sinnar—is now being altered due to obstacles posed by the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Khodad village, Junnar. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has proposed an alternative route via Ahmednagar and Shirdi, and a detailed project report (DPR) is in its final stages. This report will soon be submitted to the Railway Board and later to NITI Aayog for approval.
The Pune-Nashik railway must follow the direct route via Nashik-Sinnar-Sangamner-Manchar-Chakan, not the Shirdi-Ahilyanagar detour. A new DPR is in progress, and it is time intensify our fight.
Key Points:
New route adds 70-80 km & 1.5 hours, defeating the semi high-speed goal.
Direct route is vital for the Pune-Nashik-Mumbai golden triangle.
GMRT issues can be solved with tunnels.
Traffic congestion on the Pune-Nashik route is worsening due to industrialization.
Pune-Ahilyanagar railway isn’t an alternative to Pune-Nashik.
Tambe has warned of a multi-party protest demanding the reinstatement of the original route. He emphasized that the direct route between Pune, Nashik, and Mumbai is crucial for economic growth, benefiting businesses and agriculture in districts like Sinnar, Sangamner, Chakan, Khed, and Haveli. He also pointed out that “MahaRail” has suggested an underground tunnel solution to bypass the GMRT obstacle, ensuring that the original route remains viable.
Tambe reiterated that the Ahmednagar route cannot be a substitute for the Pune-Nashik high-speed railway and urged authorities to reconsider the decision.
