Pune–Nashik High-Speed Rail Gets Green Signal: GMRT Route Scrapped; New Corridor to Pass Through Chakan Industrial Hub

Pune:
The proposed Pune–Nashik High-Speed Rail Corridor, connecting two of Maharashtra’s most important economic and cultural hubs, is set to receive its long-awaited green signal. The earlier alignment passing through the GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) zone has now been officially scrapped due to scientific objections.

The new route will run through Pune (via Chakan Industrial Area) – Ahilyanagar – Nimbalk – Puntamba – Pimpalgaon – Sainagar Shirdi – Nashik, offering major advantages to industry, tourism, and regional development.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the updated details in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (Dec 3). The original alignment passed near the GMRT observatory at Khodad, which created concerns for the Science & Technology and Atomic Energy Departments. The rail vibrations and electromagnetic interference were found harmful for telescope observations, making the old route unviable.

After consultations with the state government, experts and local representatives, a new alternative alignment avoiding the sensitive GMRT zone has been finalized.

Current Project Status & Work Progress

Nashik Road – Sainagar Shirdi double-line DPR prepared

Shirdi – Puntamba (17 km) double-line approved with ₹240 crore

Puntamba – Nimbalk (80 km) double-line complete

Nimbalk – Ahilyanagar (6 km) double-line work ongoing

Ahilyanagar – Pune (133 km) new double-line DPR of ₹8,970 crore completed

Route to directly connect Chakan Industrial Area

Major Boost for Industries at Chakan

Chakan, one of India’s fastest-growing manufacturing hubs, will benefit immensely:

Significant reduction in logistics & transportation costs

Faster movement of goods

New opportunities for MSMEs & supply-chain clusters

Strengthening Maharashtra’s position as a national manufacturing powerhouse

Revised Route:
Nashik → Sainagar Shirdi → Puntamba → Nimbalk → Ahilyanagar → Pune (via Chakan Industrial Hub)

Huge Boost to Tourism

The new route will enhance connectivity to multiple major tourism circuits:

Easy access between Shirdi – Nashik – Pune

Better connectivity to Trimbakeshwar, Pandharpur and major Sant Parampara pilgrimage sites

Improved access to Pune’s historic forts, Peshwa heritage, rural tourism and handicraft clusters

Faster, safer and more convenient travel for pilgrims and tourists