Overview
- Roadblocks and mass protests took place on Sunday across the Pune–Nashik corridor, with demonstrations at Hivargaon Pavsa toll plaza, Gonde Phata, Chakan and Narayangaon and the detention of MLA Satyajeet Tambe during a scuffle with police.
- The dispute began after the Ministry of Railways proposed diverting the planned Pune–Nashik semi‑high‑speed line away from Sangamner and Narayangaon and toward Shirdi and Ahilyanagar because of possible electromagnetic or operational risks to the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, a sensitive radio astronomy array near Khodad.
- The Maharashtra government has set up a four‑member expert committee led by Dr. Anil Kakodkar to study the technical impact on the GMRT and protesters have demanded the panel deliver its final report in 60 days and hold public hearings or Gram Sabhas.
- Local leaders say large‑scale land acquisition and compensation payments were already made for the original route, with reported figures ranging from about Rs 318 crore to Rs 650 crore, and they argue the change would undercut planned industrial, farm and tourism benefits for the region.
- Cross‑party participation in the protests raises the risk of sustained agitation until the expert review and a formal government decision conclude, and the outcome will determine both the project timeline and the future operation constraints near the GMRT.