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Political leaders from Nashik, cutting across party lines, have strongly opposed the proposed realignment of the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed railway line. Led by former minister Chhagan Bhujbal, they have urged the Railway Ministry and the Maharashtra government to retain the original route, which ensures direct connectivity via Sinnar, Sangamner, Narayangaon, Manchar, Rajgurunagar, and Chakan. In a letter to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Bhujbal called for adherence to the original alignment before the state commits to its 50% share in the project. He emphasized Maharashtra’s policy of supporting railway projects in underdeveloped areas to accelerate infrastructure development. The Pune-Nashik railway is crucial for passenger and freight movement in the industrial corridor. The revised alignment via Ahilyanagar and Sai Nagar Shirdi extends the route by 80 km, defeating the objective of a direct rail link, Bhujbal stated. He also highlighted the economic benefits of maintaining the original plan, particularly in relation to the recently approved Nashik-Vadhavan Port railway under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). Bhujbal suggested that the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) should be tasked with executing the project, ensuring proper planning and regulatory compliance. This will significantly benefit the Pune-Nashik industrial corridor and facilitate seamless freight exports via Vadhavan Port under the Magnetic Maharashtra initiative, he added. Echoing similar concerns, MLC Satyajit Tambe argued that the revised route would increase travel time and disrupt the efficiency of the project. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje also voiced dissatisfaction, warning that nearly 30% of land acquisition had already been completed for the original alignment. Any change in the route complicates matters and undermines the projects purpose. If the government proceeds with realignment, we will be forced to launch protests, he said. The opposition from political leaders signals a growing demand to reconsider the proposed changes and ensure the project meets its original objectives of efficiency and economic impact |
