Railway Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw | Photo source: PIB
United Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the restructuring plan for the Pune-Nashik railway project is being completed and work will begin once the Maharashtra government grants are approved.
The earlier alignment of the proposed high-speed rail corridor passes through a 15-km restricted area, surrounded by the giant Metrewave radio telescope (GMRT) in Khodad Village, near Narayangaon, about 60 kilometers from Pune.
Please read also: Explanation |Why the high-speed railway project in Maharashtra is related to astronomers
Scientists have been concerned that the movement of trains through the area could interfere with the functions of the radio observatory.
Mr Vaishnaw said on Saturday (May 3, 2025): “GMRT has great scientific significance and is established through cooperation from 23 countries. Early consistency may hinder its operations, so be prepared to avoid any disruption. Once the state government approves the new route.
The GMRT is about 80 kilometers from Pune and operates in the frequency range of 150-1420 MHz, including 30 antennas, each with a diameter of 45 meters. It is managed by the National Center for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Basic Research Institute (TIFR).
Mr Vaishnaw also announced a major upgrade to the Pune Railway Station, citing the city's historical and industrial importance.
He said the station will be equipped with world-class facilities and four new platforms.
He spoke after popping up two new express trains, namely the Mgr Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express of Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express and Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express.
The minister also said that the reconstruction plan for the five sites – Pune, Hadapal, Kadakhi, Shivajinagar, Uriri Kankanan and Alandi are in the final stages.
He said a discussion was held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the Vande Bharat train between Pune and Nagpur.
publishing – May 4, 2025 at 10:25 AM IST
