Latest news with #GMRT
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Pune-Nashik rail route awaiting CM's nod, GMRT won't be affected, says Vaishnaw
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reiterated that a new Pune-Nashik rail route has been planned keeping in mind the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) located near Narayangaon. The earlier proposed route had raised concerns it would interfere with the GMRT's operations. While inaugurating the Pune-Jodhpur train on Saturday, Vaishnaw said, 'Many people will have this question in their head that how will the Pune to Nashik line be made? Our very important observatory, scientific laboratory, is in the Pune Nashik route. 23 countries have contributed to this. It is a proud institution not only for India but for the world. That is why an alternative [route] is being planned, and I have placed it in front of the honourable chief minister. As soon as he gives the go ahead a new Pune-Nashik route will be made.'
Deccan Herald
04-05-2025
- Science
- Deccan Herald
Pune-Nashik railway corridor realignment being finalised: Vaishnaw
The earlier alignment of the proposed high-speed rail corridor passed through the 15-km restricted zone around the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad village near Narayangaon, around 60 km from Pune.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Pune-Nashik railway corridor realignment being finalised: Vaishnaw
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said the realignment plan for the Pune-Nashik railway project is being finalised, and work will begin once the Maharashtra government grants approval. The earlier alignment of the proposed high-speed rail corridor passed through the 15-km restricted zone around the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad village near Narayangaon, around 60 km from Pune. Also Read: Explained | Why a high-speed railway project in Maharashtra has astronomers concerned Scientists had raised concerns that the movement of trains through this zone could interfere with the functioning of the radio observatory. Mr. Vaishnaw on Saturday (May 3, 2025) said, "The GMRT holds great scientific significance, having been established with collaboration from 23 countries. Its operations could be hampered by the earlier alignment, so a realignment is being prepared to avoid any interference. Once the state government approves the new route, work can proceed." The GMRT, located about 80 km from Pune, operates in the 150-1420 MHz frequency range and comprises 30 antennas, each 45 metres in diameter. It is managed by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Mr. Vaishnaw also announced a major upgrade for Pune railway station, citing the city's historical and industrial importance. He said the station would be equipped with world-class facilities and four new platforms. He was speaking after flagging off two new express trains, the Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express and the MGR Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express from Hadapsar near Pune. The Minister also said the redevelopment plans for six stations — Pune, Hadapsar, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Uruli Kanchan, and Alandi are in their final stages. He said discussions were held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding a Vande Bharat train between Pune and Nagpur.
News18
04-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Pune-Nashik Railway Corridor Realignment Being Finalised, Says Railway Minister
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said the realignment plan for the Pune-Nashik railway project is being finalised, and work will begin once the Maharashtra government grants approval. The earlier alignment of the proposed high-speed rail corridor passed through the 15-km restricted zone around the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad village near Narayangaon, around 60 km from Pune.
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pune-Nashik rail project awaits state approval: Vaishnaw
Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that the new railway alignment for the Pune-Nashik route has been finalised and awaiting approval from the Maharashtra government. The realignment has been carefully planned to avoid any interference with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), a global astronomical observatory supported by 23 nations. 'GMRT is a crucial scientific institution, and we cannot allow any electrical interference to disrupt its work, as it would hinder human progress. We have prepared an alternate plan, and once the state government grants permission, work will begin. Detailed information about the new alignment will be shared after approval,' he said. GMRT is located in Khodad village near Narayangaon off the Pune-Nashik highway. Researchers have expressed apprehensions over the likely disruption of its operations after the Pune-Nasik high speed railway project was given in-principle approval by the Centre. The minister made the announcement while flagging off the new Hadapsar (Pune)-Jodhpur fast express from Pune railway station. He said Pune's importance as an electronics, industrial, and education hub, necessitates significant infrastructure upgrades. Vaishnaw outlined a series of transformative projects for Pune's railway network, calling it a 'post-independence mega development' that will shape the city's growth for the next 50 years. The minister said that the key initiatives include doubling station capacity at Hadapsar, Pune Junction, Khadki, Shivajinagar, Alandi, and Uruli while new rail lines and doubling work will be carried out on Pune-Ahmednagar, Pune-Lonavla and Daund-Manmad rail routes. Addressing congestion at Pune Junction, Vaishnaw acknowledged land scarcity issues and directed railway officials to conduct an in-depth study. He stressed the need for additional platforms and Japan-style digital control systems similar to Tokyo railway station to enhance efficiency. 'Pune is a major city, yet it lacks sufficient platforms. We need better facilities for passengers,' he said. Taking a dig at the previous UPA government, Vaishnaw highlighted the Modi administration's increased investment in Maharashtra's railway infrastructure: The previous UPA government had allocated meagre ₹1,171 crore for Maharashtra railways while the Modi government has commitment ₹23,778 crore with ₹1.73 lakh crore allocated for broader development projects.
