Controversy Erupts as MP Amol Kolhe Suggests Shifting GMRT for Pune-Nashik Railway Line
Pune, 24th December 2024: Shirur MP Amol Kolhe has stirred controversy by suggesting the relocation of the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to accommodate the proposed Pune-Nashik railway line. In a letter to the Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, Kolhe urged the authorities to either develop a technical solution to mitigate the railway project’s impact on the GMRT or shift the telescope to a less populated area free of developmental pressures.
The GMRT, operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA-TIFR), at Khodad near Narayangaon in Junnar taluka, is a globally renowned facility and the most sensitive radio telescope array at low frequencies. It has been instrumental in studying astrophysical phenomena from within the solar system to the farthest reaches of the observable universe. It was also the first Indian observatory to detect gravitational waves.
Kolhe clarified that his proposal was not an opposition to the GMRT or scientific research but rather a call for balancing regional development with scientific priorities. “The GMRT should collaborate with the Railways to find a technical solution that allows both projects to coexist. If coexistence isn’t feasible, relocating the GMRT might be the only option. Scrapping the railway project is not viable, as it will hinder the progress of Junnar and its residents,” Kolhe stated.
Former BARC director Anil Kakodkar criticized the suggestion, emphasizing the GMRT’s national importance. “The GMRT is a rare Indian achievement, envisioned by Govind Swaroop, a pioneer in radio astronomy. It represents India’s scientific innovation and is a world-class facility. Relocating it would be a setback for Indian science,” he said.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the issue, noting that the proposed railway alignment passes through Narayangaon in Junnar, where the GMRT is located. “The alignment could adversely affect the GMRT’s operations. The Railways is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to address these concerns. The project has not yet been sanctioned,” Vaishnaw said.
The Pune-Nashik railway line is considered vital for regional connectivity, linking northern and southern rail networks and enabling farmers to transport agricultural produce efficiently. However, Kolhe argued that Junnar has faced developmental restrictions due to the observatory’s location.
“No industries have been established in the area because of limitations around the GMRT. Junnar’s agriculture-driven community has not even been compensated with environment-friendly projects like agro-processing hubs. The central government should prioritize the region’s development,” Kolhe added.
