Protests on Nashik-Pune highway against revised Nashik-Pune railway route
Thousands of protesters blocked the Nashik-Pune highway to demand the retention of the original railway route through Sangamner and Narayangaon. The government has formed a committee to address technical concerns regarding the route's proximity to a radio telescope facility.
Why it matters
Infrastructure projects in India often face significant public opposition, highlighting the tension between development, land acquisition, and scientific facility protection.
Thousands of protesters staged traffic blockades at several locations across Nashik - Pune highway on Sunday (August 9, 2026), urging the government to retain the proposed Nashik-Pune semi-high-speed railway route through Sangamner and Narayangaon instead of the new route via Shirdi.
MLC Satyajeet Tambe, nephew of Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, was detained by police.
The initial proposal passed through Narayangaon station, 9 km away from the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescopes (GMRT) facility, which had raised concerns of potential interference. An alternative route via Shirdi has subsequently been proposed. According to a press release by Mr. Tambe, a major portion of the land acquisition process for the original Nashik-Pune route has already been completed, with over ₹500 crore disbursed.
This chakka Jam (traffic blockade) protest was staged across Chakan, Khed, Manchar, Narayangaon, Alephata, and Sangamner, as well as Gonde Phata on the Samruddhi Expressway and the Sinnar region.
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