Maharashtra: Proposed Pune-Nashik Semi-High-Speed Rail Route Realignment Faces Cross-Party Opposition

In a rare display of unity, leaders cutting across party lines, including former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal, have vehemently opposed the proposed realignment of the Pune-Nashik semi-high speed railway line.

They have urged the government to adhere to the original alignment, which was designed to provide direct connectivity via Sinnar, Sangamner, Narayangaon, Manchar, Rajgurunagar, and Chakan, reported PTI.

Bhujbal, in a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has called for ensuring that the final alignment follows the original plan before the state government commits to its 50 per cent financial share in the project.

He emphasised that Maharashtra’s policy of funding railway projects in underdeveloped regions was meant to accelerate their completion and stimulate economic growth.

"The direct Pune-Nashik railway line is crucial for passenger and freight transport, particularly in the Pune-Nashik industrial corridor. The revised alignment, which diverts through Ahilyanagar and Sai Nagar Shirdi, increases the route length by 80 km and contradicts the original objective of a direct rail link," Bhujbal stated.

Highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining the original alignment, he pointed out that the Union government has recently approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the Nashik-Vadhavan Port railway route under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

A direct Pune-Nashik rail link, he argued, would allow freight transport to bypass Mumbai’s congested suburban railway network and seamlessly connect to Vadhavan Port, bolstering Maharashtra’s industrial and export potential.

Bhujbal further suggested that if the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) is tasked with executing the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail project, it could take full charge of its planning and implementation in accordance with railway regulations.

This, he insisted, would enhance the Pune-Nashik industrial corridor, ensuring smoother freight transport and reinforcing the Magnetic Maharashtra initiative for economic development.

The opposition to the revised alignment has been echoed by MLC Satyajit Tambe, who voiced strong objections to the deviation.

"The original proposed route via Sangamner was more efficient. The inclusion of Shirdi and Ahilyanagar will not only extend the travel distance but also add an hour to the journey, defeating the purpose of a direct rail connection between Nashik and Pune," Tambe stated.

Joining the dissent, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje criticised the sudden modifications to the route.

"Nearly 30 per cent of the land acquisition for the original route has already been completed. The new proposal complicates matters and undermines the very objective of a high-speed railway. If the route is altered, we will be forced to organise protests and intensify our opposition," he warned.

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