Nashik is witnessing increasing opposition regarding the proposed realignment of the Nashik-Pune railway line through Shirdi and Ahilyanagar. Local politicians have raised concerns that this change could undermine the project’s original objectives and limit rail connectivity for several underdeveloped areas. Critics argue that the new route may not serve the intended economic and infrastructural benefits for these regions.
Diverting the route via Shirdi and Ahilyanagar serves no purpose if areas such as Sangamner and Narayangaon continue to remain deprived of development,” Pharande said. Those seeking a railway line from Ahilyanagar to Pune can pursue a separate proposal and secure approval for that route,” she said. Pharande warned that diverting the project to benefit another region “would amount to excluding Nashik residents from the benefits of their own initiative.”
“Nashik has repeatedly faced injustice when it comes to major infrastructure projects. “We do not want the route to be changed in the name of Nashik.
Committee leader Baban Waje said nearly 24 days of the 60-day period granted by the chief minister-appointed panel had elapsed without any public interaction. Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje said he had heard about the reported development but had not received any official communication.
In this case, remote and tribal areas stand to benefit from the original alignment,” he said. “The fight has always been for the Nashik-Sangamner-Pune link. Govt should not look only at which option is cheaper. Its duty is to create infrastructure for development. The controversy comes even as the Nashik-Pune Railway Action Committee stepped up pressure on authorities.