Protests Erupt on Nashik-Pune Highway Over Railway Route Realignment
Thousands of demonstrators blocked major traffic routes on Sunday to protest the government's plan to divert the Nashik-Pune railway through Shirdi. The movement demands the reinstatement of the original path, citing existing land acquisition and financial investments.
Key takeaways
- Thousands of protesters executed traffic blockades across Nashik and Pune districts to oppose the railway route change.
- The route was altered from Narayangaon to Shirdi due to potential interference with the GMRT radio telescope facility.
- Financial records show over ₹500 crore has already been invested in land acquisition for the original path.
- A state-appointed committee led by Dr. Anil Kakodkar has 60 days to provide a technical resolution.
What Happened
Large-scale traffic blockades, known as 'chakka jams', paralyzed the Nashik-Pune highway on August 9, 2026. Demonstrators gathered across multiple locations including Chakan, Khed, Manchar, Narayangaon, Alephata, Sangamner, and Gonde Phata on the Samruddhi Expressway. The protest targeted the government's decision to alter the proposed Nashik-Pune semi-high-speed railway route. During the demonstrations, police detained Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Satyajeet Tambe, who has positioned the movement as a non-partisan public demand.
Background
The controversy centers on a change in the railway's trajectory. The initial plan routed the line through Narayangaon and Sangamner. However, concerns were raised regarding the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) facility at Khodad. Managed by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the GMRT consists of 30 sensitive radio telescopes. Scientists feared the original route, passing within 9 km of the facility, would create electromagnetic interference with astronomical research. Consequently, an alternative route via Shirdi was proposed.
Why It Matters
Proponents of the original route argue that a significant portion of project infrastructure is already underway. According to data released by MLC Tambe, over ₹500 crore has already been disbursed for land acquisition along the initial path. Shifting the route now would render these investments and the completed acquisition processes redundant. Protesters contend that the original route is essential for the region's long-term transport needs and should not be compromised by technical pressures.
What Happens Next
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has established a four-member technical committee to resolve the impasse. Led by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, the panel includes Railway Board officials and the Divisional Commissioners of Nashik and Pune. The committee has been given a 60-day deadline to evaluate the technical challenges posed by the Narayangaon route. Protesters have demanded that this timeframe remain fixed and have called for public dialogues in every taluka to ensure local sentiments are included in the final decision.
Key Facts
- The protest occurred on Sunday, August 9, 2026, across the Nashik-Pune highway and Samruddhi Expressway.
- MLC Satyajeet Tambe was detained by police during the demonstrations.
- Over ₹500 crore has already been spent on land acquisition for the original railway route.
- The GMRT facility consists of 30 radio telescopes used for metrewavelength astronomical research.
- The Kakodkar committee has 60 days to submit its technical findings on the route conflict.
Story by Project Chintan
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