The demand for a joint meeting between GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) and railway technicians to ensure the Pune-Nashik Semi-High-Speed Railway follows its original design has gained traction. Collective efforts of Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje and Shirur MP Amol Kolhe, after meeting Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, secured a positive response. Vaishnaw confirmed that Central Railway will implement the project and agreed to the joint meeting. This has sparked fresh hope for the long-pending Nashik-Pune railway proposal, which now appears to be regaining momentum.

The Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed railway project has been under discussion for several years. The Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (Maharail) had previously prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR), but it did not receive approval from the Central Cabinet. The project faced hurdles due to GMRT's objections, causing delays. Against this backdrop, Kolhe met the Railway Minister to discuss possible solutions.

Relocation of GMRT Project?

After GMRT raised objections to the proposed DPR, Railway Minister Vaishnaw instructed the railway administration to cancel the original DPR and draft a new route. As a result, a new railway route via Ahilyanagar and Shirdi was proposed. However, this was met with strong opposition from political leaders and farmers from both Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.

Farmers oppose to route change

Farmers and local representatives from Nashik, Sinnar, Khed, Ambegaon, Junnar and Sangamner have also protested against the new route proposal. They have emphasised that changing the original railway route would negatively impact their region, which has long-awaited development opportunities through this project. Kolhe reiterated that the original railway line would bring economic transformation to these areas.

Central Railway to take charge

During the budget session of Parliament, Kolhe met Vaishnaw and urged him to retain the original Pune-Nashik railway route. He also pushed for a joint meeting between Maharail, Railways and GMRT technicians to reach a viable solution. Vaishnaw assured that Central Railway will execute the project and clarified that there will be no political interference. He also agreed to hold a meeting of Central Railway and GMRT technicians to speed up the project. Reports suggest that Vaishnaw assured that a resolution would be found to accelerate the project's implementation.