Nashik-Pune Semi High-Speed Railway Project Faces Continued Protests Despite Government Intervention
In a significant development regarding the Nashik-Pune semi high-speed railway project, local action committees have declared their intention to persist with agitation efforts, even after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the appointment of an expert consultant to study a new alignment. This announcement was made during a session in the legislative council on Wednesday, yet it has failed to quell the growing unrest among residents and activists.
Chief Minister's Announcement and Legislative Council Proceedings
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing the legislative council, revealed plans to appoint a consultant tasked with examining a route that minimizes deviation and includes passage through Sangamner town. This response came directly following appeals from independent MLC Satyajeet Tambe, who emphasized the necessity of a meeting between the chief minister and village-level action committees. These committees are fervently advocating for the railway alignment to follow the Akole, Sangamner, and Junnar route, which they argue is more logical and beneficial for the region.
Local Committees' Unwavering Stance and Demands
Baban Waje, the president of the Sinnar action committee, has been vocal about the ongoing agitation. He stressed that protests demanding the railway alignment pass via Sinnar in Nashik and Akole and Sangamner in Ahilyanagar, rather than through Shirdi in Ahilyanagar, will continue unabated until a decision favoring what they term the "logical solution" is reached. The local action committees have not only staged demonstrations but have also formally written to the chief minister, urging a return to the original proposed route.
Waje elaborated on their strategies, stating, "Students from schools and colleges are actively writing letters to the chief minister. Once examinations conclude, educational institutions will educate students about the advantages of the railway track via Sangamner and encourage them to correspond with the chief minister. We anticipate that over 30,000 letters will be dispatched to both the chief minister and the railway minister, amplifying our voice."
Expanding Agitation Across Districts
The protest movement is not confined to Nashik alone. Committees from Akole and Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district, along with Junnar in Pune district, are mobilizing to join the agitation. Ramesh Thorat, a member of the committee from Sangamner taluka, affirmed their commitment, saying, "Our objective is to fight for justice. We will persist in our struggle until our demands are met." This cross-district collaboration underscores the widespread concern and unity among affected communities regarding the railway project's alignment.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The situation highlights a critical juncture in Maharashtra's infrastructure development, where government plans are being met with robust grassroots opposition. The appointment of a consultant signifies a step towards addressing technical aspects, but the local committees' resolve indicates that social and regional considerations remain paramount. As the agitation gains momentum with planned letter-writing campaigns and sustained protests, the pressure on state authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue and reconsider the alignment is intensifying. The outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for how large-scale projects balance expert recommendations with community interests in the future.
