Direct Ahilyanagar–Pune Rail Link Soon: Fadnavis
Devendra Fadnavis
on Sunday announced that the state govt is actively pursuing plans to lay a direct railway line from Ahilyanagar to Pune — a project that could significantly cut travel time between Nagpur and Pune.
The proposed link, he said, would shorten the distance by nearly 100km and save close to an hour on the journey.
Speaking to mediapersons after flagging off the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express, Fadnavis explained that trains currently have to take a longer route via Daund, adding 100–125km to the trip.
"I have suggested railway officials that a direct line be laid from Ahilyanagar to Pune. If this line is constructed along the right of way of the upcoming Sambhaji Nagar–Pune expressway, both projects could be integrated.
This will not only save time but also accelerate the railway work," the CM said.
He emphasised that the belt from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to Ahilyanagar and onwards to Pune is a major industrial corridor. The new railway line, he added, could also serve as part of a freight corridor linking the region to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
Land acquisition for the expressway is in progress, while the railways completed their alignment survey.
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"We will submit our proposed alignment to ensure that the railway track is accommodated within the expressway's right of way," he said.
Outlining his broader vision for high-speed connectivity in the state, Fadnavis said trains running along the Samruddhi Mahamarg should be capable of reaching speeds of 250–300 kmph.
"We already have 78% of right of way for this alignment, but 22% still needs to be acquired to connect with stations.
A detailed study will be undertaken soon," he said.
Fadnavis also expressed satisfaction at the launch of the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express, which he described as a much-needed service for passengers on the busy corridor. "I personally requested the railway minister to introduce this train, given the heavy passenger rush on the route. Many times, private bus fares touch 5,000, which causes serious hardship to common citizens," he noted.
Thanking PM Narendra Modi and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for fulfilling the demand, he said the state would work with the Centre to ensure faster, more comfortable travel options for Maharashtra's citizens.
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