Chhagan Bhujbal
Highlighting industrial development in the region, Bhujbal said land acquisition had been completed for a Rs 750 crore project in the Yeola MIDC area, spread across 250-300 acres.
Addressing the media in Nashik, Bhujbal said a consultant-prepared route map supporting the original alignment had already been submitted to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis . He rejected suggestions to reroute the corridor through Shirdi and said the alternative would add nearly 100km to the project, increasing travel time and undermining industrial logistics. India now has advanced engineering expertise, as demonstrated by several complex infrastructure projects in Mumbai and across the country,” Bhujbal said. “If the direct alignment is retained, travel distance will reduce by nearly 100km and rail traffic will move much faster,” he said, adding that the corridor could eventually be extended further into north Maharashtra. Temporary patchwork will be washed away again,” he said, adding that Lord Ganesh was “Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), not Vighnakarta”. He said state govt had established a dedicated war room mechanism to clear project approvals within three days. “More than the number of direct jobs it creates, the project will provide a sustainable and assured market for maize cultivated by nearly 50,000 farmers,” Bhujbal said, adding that around 60% of the project’s daily water requirement of 50 lakh litres would be treated and reused for agricultural purposes.
He also dismissed concerns over potential frequency interference with Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Khodad, proposing that the affected stretches be constructed through deep underground tunnels. “Building long tunnels is no longer a challenge. He suggested involving Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) alongside Indian Railways in constructing the tunnel sections. On civic infrastructure, Bhujbal instructed municipal authorities to undertake round-the-clock pothole repairs in Nashik ahead of the upcoming festive season. He sought the deployment of multiple contractors and called for a systematic approach to road restoration. “Cut potholes into proper square shapes and fill them scientifically.
Nashik : Senior cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday strongly advocated implementation of Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed railway project along its originally proposed alignment via Khodad, arguing that the direct route was crucial for both passenger connectivity and freight movement.