Fadnavis Announces Expert Panel for Pune–Nashik Rail After Centre Bars Route Near GMRT

The move responds to a central directive protecting the GMRT’s radio-quiet zone as an international facility.

Overview

Maharashtra’s chief minister told the Legislative Council that the original Pune–Nashik alignment lacks approval due to interference risks near the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope.
The Centre has ruled out altering GMRT operations or siting, citing its international status with participation from 32 countries.
An expert committee will study technical and feasibility options to chart the nearest viable alignment that respects the GMRT buffer zone and improves access for villages left out of the earlier plan.
Fadnavis said the Union suggested a Shirdi detour that would add about 30 minutes, a proposal opposed by stakeholders in areas seeking direct connectivity.
He plans to take up the issue again with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after two prior meetings on the semi high-speed corridor.