Nashik

Project Overview

The Pune–Nashik Semi-High-Speed Railway is a proposed intercity rail corridor aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and reducing travel time between the two major cities. The 235 km line was announced in 2020 with an estimated cost of around ₹16,000 crore. The project aims to support freight movement from MIDC regions, reduce highway congestion, and build an industrial growth corridor between Pune, Ahmednagar, and Nashik. Multiple clearances, including land acquisition approvals, were initiated between 2020 and 2022. However, the project has remained stalled since 2023 due to funding gaps, delays in central approvals, and a lack of progress on detailed land acquisition planning. The project remains listed under the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail), with no recent activity or updated timelines.

Reason for Delay

This is a proposed corridor that has government backing and a completed DPR, but no construction work has begun. While the project has cost estimates and in-principle approval, key elements such as the final route, number of stations, land acquisition progress, and implementation timelines remain unresolved. No major updates have been recorded since 2023 from the implementing agency. Until there is firm movement such as land acquisition notifications, tender invitations, or financial sanction, the project remains classified as “Stalled.” For manageability within the platform, the project is currently listed under Nashik District, although it impacts multiple districts.

Project Overview

Nashik Metro Neo is a proposed rubber-tyred, elevated, metro-like transit system announced in the Union Budget 2021–22 with an initial outlay of ₹2,092 crore. The project received state approval, a completed DPR, and initial central allocation. However, no construction activity has taken place since 2022. Due to evolving ridership estimates, corridor redesign needs, and changes in urban mobility planning, the original Metro Neo plan is currently under reassessment. Public reports indicate that a revised MetroNeo/MetroLite/BRT hybrid model is now being evaluated as an alternative to the earlier design.

Reason for Delay

The Nashik Metro Neo project progressed through major approval steps between 2019 and 2021, including state approval, DPR submission, DPR approval, and a ₹2092 crore allocation in the Union Budget. However, since 2022, the project has seen no construction activity. Due to changing urban conditions, new ridership projections, and the need to re-evaluate the corridor design, the system has been placed under re-assessment. Recent reports suggest that a revised MetroNeo/MetroLite/BRT hybrid model is being considered to replace the original plan.