EoI invited for building stations on Pune-Nashik semi high-speed railway project

On Feb 26, 2022

Pune Nashik Semi High Speed Railway | EoI invited for building stations on Pune-Nashik semi high-speed railway project — File Photo

Pune : Policenama online – Pune Nashik Semi High Speed Railway | Maharashtra Railway Infrastructure Development Corporation (Maharail) has invited an expression of interest (EoI) from companies to build railway stations under the Pune-Nashik semi high-speed railway project.

The proposed route will drastically reduce the travel time between the two cities to two hours. The Finance Commission has already approved the tender process for constructing railway stations.

Land is being acquired for the project from Pune, Nashik and Ahmednagar districts. The central government is still to give its final nod to the plan. However, Maharail has already begun preparations for the next stage of the route. In this stage, EoI has been invited from desired firms to build stations, to develop the area around them, to construct foot overbridges (FOBs), etc. Maharail has prepared a blueprint of this work as per the Indian Railways’ guidelines. The patch of the route from Pune Station to Hadapsar will be entirely elevated. Hence, the focus will be on the structure of these two stations. EoIs are supposed to be submitted by April 2022.

Land acquisition

The state cabinet had approved the project in March 2021. The Railway Board also okayed the plan last year. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 16,039 crore. In all, 1,458 hectare land will be acquired in Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts.

Dropped stations

Initially, 24 stations were planned to be constructed on the route. However, four stations were dropped after a survey and the plan of the route. Now, there will be 20 stations on the route. The dropped stations included Kolwadi from Pune, Jambut from Ahmednagar and Devthan, Dodi from Nashik.

Names of stations on the route

Pune (Terminal), Hadapsar, Manjri, Wagholi, Alandi, Chakan, Rajgurunagar, Manchar, Narayangaon, Alephata, Bota, Sakur, Ambore, Sangamner, Nimon, Nandur-Shingote, Sinnar, Mudhari, Vadgaon Pingla and Nashik (Terminal).

Features of the project

– 235 km distance

– 200 kmph expected train speed

– 1 hour and 45 minutes: travel duration

– 18 tunnels

– 20 proposed stations

– 85 villages surveyed

Speaking about the project, MP Amol Kolhe said, “Most permissions for the Pune-Nashik railway route have been granted. Only the central cabinet’s nod is awaited. Once that happens, work on the project will be expedited. EoIs have been invited for building stations. The Centre is positive about the project. Work on it will begin soon.