The Central Railway (CR) has completed the detailed project report (DPR) for the revised semi high-speed railway corridor connecting Pune, Ahilyanagar, Shirdi, and Nashik.

This development follows a directive from Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in January 2025, instructing the railway administration to prepare a new DPR that considers the presence of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad, Junnar—an internationally significant research facility affected by the original alignment. Engineers from CR’s Pune division conducted detailed surveys for the revised alignment. “Final revisions to the DPR are underway and the document will soon be submitted to higher authorities. Once approved, the project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between key cities in Maharashtra and promote regional development,” said Mohit Singh, Deputy Chief Engineer of CR’s Pune division.

Despite demands from local residents and political representatives to retain the old route—which had already seen land acquisition—the new alignment was chosen to safeguard the GMRT. The revised corridor will span 235 km: 125 km between Pune and Ahilyanagar, and 82 km from Shirdi to Nashik. The updated alignment may extend travel time by about 45 minutes but is technically robust and obstacle-free.