CM Promises Expert Committee For Nashik-Pune Railway Line

02 Mar 2026 CW Team

Fadnavis said he had twice raised the proposal with the Union government and that one key constraint is the presence of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) on the most direct alignment. He noted that 32 countries are part of the GMRT project and that the facility cannot be relocated, adding a significant technical consideration to route planning. That constraint has shaped earlier responses from central authorities.

The Union government has suggested an alternative alignment via Shirdi, but that option was estimated to add 30 minutes to travel time and was reported to be unacceptable to some stakeholders. Fadnavis said he will again take up the matter with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and that a consultant could be appointed to identify the nearest feasible route that still serves important villages. The focus will be on balancing travel time, technical feasibility and local interests.

The expert committee is expected to examine route maps, environmental and technical studies and stakeholder impact before making recommendations, and a consultant would provide detailed alignment options. Officials will need to reconcile national scientific infrastructure requirements with regional development goals. Any proposal will require coordination between state and central agencies.

The legislative council exchange highlighted the complexity of delivering new rail infrastructure in a densely used corridor and the need for careful study before commitments are made. The chief minister framed the step as a methodical approach aimed at finding a practicable solution rather than a rapid decision.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said proposals for constructing a railway line between Nashik and Pune will be thoroughly studied and that an expert committee will be appointed to take the matter forward. He made the statement while replying to a question in the state legislative council and indicated that further technical and stakeholder consultations will be required. The announcement signals renewed focus on a long-pending plan to improve connectivity between the two cities. Fadnavis said he had twice raised the proposal with the Union government and that one key constraint is the presence of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) on the most direct alignment. He noted that 32 countries are part of the GMRT project and that the facility cannot be relocated, adding a significant technical consideration to route planning. That constraint has shaped earlier responses from central authorities. The Union government has suggested an alternative alignment via Shirdi, but that option was estimated to add 30 minutes to travel time and was reported to be unacceptable to some stakeholders. Fadnavis said he will again take up the matter with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and that a consultant could be appointed to identify the nearest feasible route that still serves important villages. The focus will be on balancing travel time, technical feasibility and local interests. The expert committee is expected to examine route maps, environmental and technical studies and stakeholder impact before making recommendations, and a consultant would provide detailed alignment options. Officials will need to reconcile national scientific infrastructure requirements with regional development goals. Any proposal will require coordination between state and central agencies. The legislative council exchange highlighted the complexity of delivering new rail infrastructure in a densely used corridor and the need for careful study before commitments are made. The chief minister framed the step as a methodical approach aimed at finding a practicable solution rather than a rapid decision.

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