Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (MRIDC) has started the construction of 20 railway stations on the 235.15 km broad-gauge rail on the Pune-Nashik semi-high speed rail line. The estimated cost of the railway project is Rs 16,039 crore.The project is expected to complete in 1,200 days. This rail route line will have 24 stations and 18 tunnels, passing through Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik. It will be the first low-cost semi-high speed rail corridor in the country. It will provide seamless connectivity to industrial zones of Pune and Nashik like Alandi, Chakan, Khed, Manchar, Narayangaon, Sinnar, Satpur. According to an official, MRIDC has started empanelment of civil contractors for constructing railway station buildings, residential accommodation, platforms, foot overbridges, station circulating areas and other utility structures, including architectural finishing, plumbing, high voltage electrical works, heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the new high-speed electrified double rail line between Pune and Nashik. The construction of 20 stations has started in the Pune-Nashik line, including Pune, Hadapsar, Manjari, Wagholi, Alandi, Chakan, Rajgurunagar, Manchar, Narayangaon, Alephata, Bota, Sakur, Ambore, Sangamner, Nimon, Nandur Shingote, Sinnar, Muhdari, Wadgaon and Nashik. Other infrastructure works such as station buildings, and residential accommodation will be constructed, as per Indian Railways standard specifications, guidelines and design parameters with solar panels. The project received approval in June 2020 and is expected to boost tourism, pilgrimage and trade. Image Source Also read: Mumbai to be connected to Pune and Nagpur via high speed corridors