PUNE, December 2025 — The Pune-Nashik high-speed rail corridor is set to enhance regional connectivity, with a significant update on its route alignment. This development aims to overcome previous obstacles and accelerate progress on this vital infrastructure project.

Following consultations, Indian Railways has proposed an alternate route that bypasses the sensitive Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) zone near Narayangaon. The revised alignment will connect Nashik to Sainagar Shirdi, then proceed through Puntamba, Nimblak, and Ahilyanagar before reaching Pune via the Chakan Industrial Estate. Significant progress has been reported, including the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for doubling the Nashik Road-Sainagar Shirdi line, with Rs 240 crore sanctioned for the Sainagar Shirdi-Puntamba stretch. The Puntamba-Nimblak section is already doubled, and work on the Nimblak-Ahilyanagar segment is ongoing. A comprehensive DPR for constructing new double lines between Ahilyanagar and Pune, spanning 133 km and estimated at Rs 8,970 crore, has also been prepared.

This revised alignment and ongoing construction are expected to significantly boost cultural and economic growth by better connecting two major metropolitan regions. The project is anticipated to increase tourism to key sites like Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi, while also enhancing access to industrial hubs such as Chakan, thereby strengthening tourism, industrial, and educational mobility across the region.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the revised alignment in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the project's importance. This strategic infrastructure development is poised to play a crucial role in the region's future economic landscape and improved transportation network.

Source: The Indian Express