High-Speed Railway Project Faces Uncertainty Amidst Delays and Opposition

The ambitious high-speed railway project, often referred to as the "bullet train," aiming to connect the cities of Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, is currently facing a cloud of uncertainty. This uncertainty stems from significant delays in the submission of its detailed project report (DPR) by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited Company (NHSRCL) to the central government.

Government's Rail Expansion Plans

Under the National Rail Plan (NRP), the central government has outlined seven potential routes for the development of the high-speed rail network. Among these routes, the Mumbai-Hyderabad corridor holds great promise. The central government has entrusted NHSRCL with the responsibility of crafting a comprehensive DPR for this project, aimed at analyzing its socio-economic impact. This proposed bullet train route would traverse 90 villages across seven talukas in the Pune district. In an effort to move the project forward, NHSRCL, in collaboration with local tehsildars and government officials, conducted initial surveys across the Maval, Khed, Haveli, Daund, Purandar, Baramati, and Indapur talukas. The planned route encompasses an impressive 650 kilometers, featuring 11 proposed stations with the intention of benefiting not only Maharashtra but also the states of Karnataka and Telangana.

Environmental and Social Concerns

One of the most significant challenges the project faces is its potential environmental and social impact. Farmers residing in the affected talukas have raised strong objections, leading to a comprehensive survey designed to assess the effects on project-affected families. This survey has collected crucial data on the financial status, livelihoods, family composition, and expectations of these families regarding the project. Despite the completion of these surveys, NHSRCL has yet to submit the DPR to the Collector's Office. This lack of progress has left the local administration in a state of uncertainty regarding the project's future. Praveen Salunke, Deputy Collector of the Land Acquisition Department, emphasized the challenges, mentioning that specific information about which villages and groups of people will be affected cannot be provided until NHSRCL submits its proposal.

Doubts and Challenges Ahead

The absence of communication from NHSRCL over the past 18 months has cast doubt on the project's advancement. The proposed bullet train route has the potential to impact land prices and is already facing opposition from local farmers. This opposition, coupled with past issues related to compensation for other government projects in the district, including the Purandar airport, has further complicated the situation.