Special Correspondent
Pune :Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on Saturday that the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) will not be relocated for the upcoming Pune-Nashik rail project. He emphasized that the only viable alternative is to adjust the alignment of the railway project.
The GMRT, located in Khodad village near Narayangaon, is situated about 60 km from Pune along the Pune-Nashik Highway. Researchers had raised concerns about potential disruptions to the scientific facility’s operations after the Centre gave in-principle approval for the Pune-Nashik semi-high-speed rail project.
In response, NCP (SP) MP Amol Kolhe had suggested relocating GMRT to accommodate the railway project. However, Vaishnaw explained that shifting the telescope, a significant scientific resource not just for India but for 23 participating countries, would be detrimental. “Moving the GMRT would weaken one of the most powerful research facilities in India,” he said during a press conference at C-DAC, Pune. “This is why we have decided not to shift GMRT from its current location.”
Vaishnaw outlined the remaining option as adjusting the alignment of the proposed railway route. He noted that routing the project westward toward the Arabian Sea would be difficult due to the ghats in the region. Alternatively, the alignment could follow the existing Manmad-Ahilyanagar-Daund route, with a possible parallel alignment along this path. Another option being considered is a route from Nashik to Shirdi, then to Ahilyanagar and Pune via a high-speed rail line. Vaishnaw stated that the team is working on these options, with results expected soon.
He reassured the public that GMRT’s operations will remain unaffected and that the Pune-Nashik railway project will proceed as planned without disturbing the observatory.
