Pune-Nashik Train Route Diverted Through Shirdi After Centre’s Review; Sangamner Leaders Oppose New Route

Pune-Nashik Train: The Union railway ministry has assumed full control of the Pune-Nashik semi high-speed rail project and cleared a revised alignment that will take the line through Shirdi in Ahilyanagar district rather than Sangamner. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement in Parliament, triggering strong opposition from political leaders in Sangamner who have demanded that the earlier route be restored.

The project has been in planning for more than five years. It was initially handled by the Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure Development Corporation (Maharail), which was tasked in 2021 with implementing the 236-km corridor meant for trains capable of travelling up to 200 kmph. At the time, the estimated cost of the project stood at Rs 16,039 crore.

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Reason Behind The Alignment Change

While responding in Parliament, Vaishnaw explained that the route proposed in the Detailed Project Report passed through Narayangaon, close to the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). The facility, operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, is of global scientific importance and used by researchers worldwide.

The Departments of Atomic Energy and Science and Technology had warned that electromagnetic interference from the railway line could affect the observatory’s operations. Due to these concerns, the alignment was deemed unsuitable. Following discussions with the state government and elected representatives, the railway ministry approved the Shirdi route. Vaishnaw said the revised path will not significantly increase travel time and will also improve access to the Chakan industrial belt.

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Opposition In Sangamner

The decision has faced immediate pushback in Sangamner. Local MLC Satyajeet Tambe has urged residents to begin a public campaign, stating that the change will negatively affect the region’s growth and connectivity. He argued that the earlier route through Pune-Chakan-Narayangaon-Sangamner-Sinnar-Nashik should remain in place.

The move has also reignited political tensions in Ahilyanagar district, where the Thorat family of Sangamner and the Vikhe Patil family of Shirdi have long been rivals. Although Maharail had previously suggested constructing an underground tunnel beneath the GMRT zone to address interference concerns, the Centre has now taken over the project entirely. A Maharail official confirmed that the railway ministry will handle all further execution.