The Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad bullet train project, a visionary endeavor aimed at connecting these major Indian cities, has hit a roadblock of uncertainty. The cause? Delays in the submission of the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited Company (NHSRCL) to the central government.
The National Rail Plan (NRP) encompasses seven potential high-speed rail routes, including the ambitious Mumbai-Hyderabad corridor. Entrusted with the responsibility of shaping this transformative project, NHSRCL’s primary task is to prepare a comprehensive DPR. This report not only delves into the technical intricacies of the project but also scrutinizes its socio-economic impact.
The proposed bullet train route charts an impressive course, spanning 650 kilometers and passing through 90 villages across seven talukas in Pune district. With 11 proposed stations along the way, the project aims to extend its benefits across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Surveying for Impact Assessment:
Understanding the potential ramifications of such an ambitious endeavor, NHSRCL took the proactive step of conducting initial surveys in collaboration with local tehsildars and government officials. This extensive survey spanned Maval, Khed, Haveli, Daund, Purandar, Baramati, and Indapur talukas, laying the groundwork for an in-depth impact assessment.
Concerns Raised by Farmers:
One of the most significant concerns surrounding the project revolves around its environmental and social impact. Farmers residing in the affected talukas have raised objections, warranting a comprehensive survey dedicated to assessing the project’s impact on these families. This survey meticulously collected data pertaining to their financial status, livelihoods, family composition, and expectations concerning the project.
Uncertainty Looms:
Despite the completion of these vital surveys, NHSRCL has yet to submit the crucial DPR to the Collector’s Office. This communication lapse has left local administration and affected communities in the dark regarding the project’s future course. Praveen Salunke, Deputy Collector of the Land Acquisition Department, emphasized their inability to provide specific information about affected villages and communities until NHSRCL unveils its proposal.
Challenges and Complications:
The cloud of uncertainty looming over the Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad bullet train project is compounded by various challenges. Potential land price fluctuations, coupled with opposition from farmers, pose complex hurdles. Furthermore, past issues related to compensation for government projects in the district, such as the Purandar airport, have contributed to the prevailing uncertainties.
As the nation eagerly awaits the Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad bullet train’s transformative potential, the delays in the Detailed Project Report underscore the multifaceted challenges that ambitious infrastructure projects face. The future of this high-speed rail corridor remains in flux, awaiting the clarity that only a comprehensive DPR can provide.
