CR Finalises Revised Plan for Pune–Nashik Rail Line

15 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Central Railway has finalised the detailed project report (DPR) for a revised semi high-speed rail corridor linking Pune, Ahilyanagar, Shirdi, and Nashik. This revision comes after Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in January 2025, directed officials to realign the route to avoid interference with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad, Junnar — an internationally significant research facility.

Engineers from CR’s Pune division conducted fresh surveys and are now finalising the report, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Railways within a week. According to Deputy Chief Engineer Mohit Singh, the project will enhance intercity connectivity and spur regional growth once approved.

The revised 235-kilometre corridor includes a 125-kilometre Pune–Ahilyanagar section running parallel to the existing highway and a newly aligned 82-kilometre Shirdi–Nashik section. Though the new alignment adds approximately 45 minutes to journey time compared to the original route, railway officials have confirmed it avoids technical obstacles and preserves the GMRT zone.

Despite calls from local stakeholders to use the earlier route, which already underwent partial land acquisition in areas like Nashik, Sinnar and Shirdi, the final plan prioritised scientific and technical considerations.

MP Dr Amol Kolhe stated the alignment is viable through elevated tracks or tunnels and will benefit Maharashtra’s industrial workforce and farming communities.

Infrastructure Energy

28 Aug 2025

REC Hosts 56th AGM, Highlights Record Growth and Sustainability

REC Limited conducted its 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today through video conferencing, chaired by Jitendra Srivastava, Chairman & Managing Director. The meeting highlighted the company’s record operational and financial performance during the year, along with its strong focus on sustainability and ESG-led initiatives.Jitendra Srivastava, Chairman & Managing Director, in his address noted that REC achieved significant milestones during the year, strengthening its position as a performance-driven public financial institution. Loan sanctions stood at Rs 3.37 trillion, with disbur..

ADGBR Reviews Road Projects under Project Vartak

Additional Director General Border Roads (ADGBR) Jitendra Prasad conducted a four-day review of ongoing road and bridge construction works under Project Vartak in the area of responsibility (AoR) of the 42 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) from 19 to 22 August.Prasad inspected key infrastructure projects including the Balipara–Charduar–Tawang (BCT) road, Sela–Chabrela–Banga Janga Gonpa road, Banga Janga Gonpa–Lagamche GG road, the Sela tunnel, and multiple roads in the Nelya sector.At various construction sites, project officials briefed him on project scope, progress, timelines, and op..

Nitin Gadkari Launches Three Highway Projects in Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, laid the foundation stone for three National Highway (NH) projects in Madhya Pradesh on 24 August. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the projects are designed to reduce travel time, ease congestion, enhance road safety, and improve connectivity across key corridors.The first project covers the four-laning of the 17.87 km Amazhar–Barela stretch, completing the Jabalpur Ring Road. The upgrade will divert heavy vehicles away from the city, reduce accident risks, and ensure smoother connectivity from A..