Maharashtra govt forms expert panel to review Pune-Nashik rail route impact on GMRT

The original route passed close to the GMRT facility near Narayangaon. File Pic

The Maharashtra government has set up a high-level expert committee headed by former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar to examine the impact of the proposed Pune-Nashik semi high-speed railway line on the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad in Pune district, reported the PTI.

The committee will study whether the original railway alignment can be restored without affecting the functioning of the sensitive scientific facility.

A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Transport Department on Wednesday stated that the committee will assess the electromagnetic, operational and other possible impacts of both the original route mentioned in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the revised alignment, the news agency reported.

The original route passed close to the GMRT facility near Narayangaon, leading to concerns from scientific organisations and central government departments over possible electromagnetic interference with radio astronomy observations.

Concerns over GMRT operations

The GMRT, operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), is one of the world's largest radio telescope arrays and conducts advanced astronomical research.

Following concerns raised by scientific institutions, including the Union Departments of Atomic Energy and Science and Technology, the railway authorities considered an alternative route.

According to the PTI, the Ministry of Railways later finalised a revised alignment through Ahilyanagar and Shirdi. However, several representations sought a detailed comparison of both routes before taking a final decision.

Committee members and scope

Apart from Dr Anil Kakodkar as chairman, the four-member committee includes:

- Railway Board Member (Infrastructure) Vivek Gupta
- Divisional Commissioner, Pune
- Divisional Commissioner, Nashik

The committee has been asked to submit a detailed report with recommendations within 60 days.

Study to cover cost, connectivity and environmental factors

The expert panel will compare the two alignments on various parameters, including electromagnetic impact on GMRT operations, travel time benefits, project cost, land acquisition requirements, industrial and agricultural connectivity and socio-economic benefits for the region.

The committee can consult stakeholders including the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Department of Atomic Energy, Ministry of Railways, Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (MRIDC) and district administrations, the news agency reported.

Experts from fields such as radio astronomy, railway engineering, electromagnetics and environmental science may also be consulted during the review process.

(with PTI inputs)