MSRDC Confirms Linking Pune-Nashik Industrial Corridor with Rail Route Unfeasible

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has officially ruled out the possibility of aligning the upcoming Pune-Nashik industrial corridor with the existing semi-high-speed rail line. This decision follows a comprehensive report from MSRDC citing insurmountable technical and financial challenges that make such an alignment unfeasible.

Despite the state government’s earlier instructions to consider such a realignment, aimed at alleviating increasing opposition from farmers and landowners along the original 213-kilometre highway route, the report states that the two projects’ fundamental purposes are incompatible. The rail line is designed for fast intercity travel, while the industrial corridor seeks to connect multiple towns, villages, and industrial zones. Regulatory buffer zones around railway lines would prevent the construction of an expressway alongside, and the costs involved in such co-location would be prohibitively high.

The initially approved route, finalised last year, comprises a 135 km stretch from Pune to Shirdi, a 52 km section linking Shirdi to Niphad (connecting to the Surat-Chennai Expressway), and an 18 km segment to Nashik. MSRDC maintains that remaining with this route is the only feasible option for the project.

The final decision now rests with the state government, which has yet to give formal approval to proceed. Once approved, this corridor will form a key part of MSRDC’s extensive 4,200-kilometre network, expected to cut the travel time between Pune and Nashik from around five hours to approximately 2.5 hours, boosting regional connectivity and economic development.

This development highlights the complex challenges encountered in urban planning and infrastructure development, especially regarding land acquisition and integrated infrastructure. A decisive stance by the state government is essential to move this vital project forward, ensuring enhanced regional connectivity, economic growth, and community engagement.