Sun May 04 04:55:05 UTC 2025: ## Railway Minister Announces Realigned Pune-Nashik High-Speed Rail Project and Pune Station Upgrade

**Pune, India (May 4, 2025)** – Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced today that the Pune-Nashik high-speed rail project will proceed with a realigned route to avoid interference with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). The original route passed through a 15-km restricted zone around the GMRT, prompting concerns from scientists about potential disruptions to the observatory’s operations. The new alignment is currently awaiting approval from the Maharashtra state government.

The GMRT, a significant scientific facility with international collaborations, operates in the 150-1420 MHz frequency range. Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of protecting the observatory’s functionality.

In addition to the realigned high-speed rail project, Vaishnaw also revealed plans for a major upgrade of Pune railway station, including the addition of four new platforms and world-class facilities, reflecting the city’s historical and industrial significance. Redevelopment plans for six other stations in the Pune area are in their final stages. Discussions are also underway with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the introduction of a Vande Bharat train between Pune and Nagpur.

The Minister’s announcements came after he flagged off two new express trains from Hadapsar near Pune: the Hadapsar-Jodhpur Express and the MGR Chennai Central-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express.

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