Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Realignment Plans for Pune-Nashik Railway Project

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Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the realignment plan for the Pune-Nashik railway project is nearing finalization, with construction set to commence once the Maharashtra Government grants its approval.The initial alignment of the proposed high-speed rail corridor passed through a 15-km restricted zone surrounding the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), located in Khodad village near Narayangaon, approximately 60 km from Pune.

Scientists expressed concerns that train movements within this zone could disrupt the operations of the radio observatory, which is vital for scientific research.On Saturday, Vaishnaw stated, “The GMRT holds great scientific significance, having been established with collaboration from 23 countries. Its operations could be hampered by the earlier alignment, so a realignment is being prepared to avoid any interference. Once the state government approves the new route, work can proceed.

”The GMRT, situated about 80 km from Pune, operates in the 150-1420 MHz frequency range and features 30 antennas, each measuring 45 meters in diameter. It is managed by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).In addition to the railway project, Vaishnaw announced significant upgrades for Pune railway station, emphasizing the city’s historical and industrial importance.

The station will be upgraded with world-class facilities and will feature four new platforms.The Minister made these remarks after flagging off two new express trains: the Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express and the MGR Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express from Hadapsar near Pune. He also revealed that redevelopment plans for six stations—Pune, Hadapsar, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Uruli Kanchan, and Alandi—are in their final stages. Furthermore, discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding a Vande Bharat train connecting Pune and Nagpur are underway.