Deputy Chief Minister Urges Proposal Preparation under Metro Rail Act
The much-anticipated Pune-Nashik semi-high speed railway project, which has faced significant delays, might see progress through an alternative approach. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has directed officials to formulate a proposal under the Metro Rail Act, signaling the state government’s willingness to proceed with and finance the project independently if the central government’s approval is taking too long.
During a meeting held in Mumbai on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized the state’s readiness to take charge of the project’s execution and funding, provided that the central government’s approval remains pending. The project has been a longstanding demand from residents of both Nashik and Pune, spanning a period of over 25 years.
Earlier concerns were raised by the central railways regarding the feasibility of developing the proposed railway track “at grade,” i.e., at ground level. The railway ministry’s reservations had cast uncertainty over the future of the semi-high speed rail initiative.
By potentially bringing this project under the purview of the Metro Rail Act, it could be removed from the direct jurisdiction of the central railway. Instead, the project would benefit from partial funding provided by both the state and central governments.
Maha Rail’s Managing Director, Rajeshkumar Jaishwal, affirmed that they would heed the instructions of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar by drafting a proposal and presenting it for cabinet consideration.
Envisaged as a 235-kilometer rail route traversing Pune, Ahmednagar, and Nashik districts, the Pune-Nashik railway line holds the promise of enhanced connectivity. Anticipated to operate at speeds of up to 200 kmph, the rail journey between Pune and Nashik could potentially be completed in approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. The successful completion of this high-speed rail initiative would seamlessly link critical industrial zones in Pune and Nashik, including locations such as Hadapsar, Wagholi, Alandi, Chakan, Khed, Manchar, Narayangaon, Sinnar, and Satpur.
Present during the meeting were MLA Autl Benke, Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, Finance Department Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer, Planning Department Secretary Saurabh Vijay, and MD Maharail Jaiswal. The proposal’s development and submission mark a significant step towards expediting this transformative rail project that has been eagerly awaited by the citizens of the region.
