Nashik zonal rail users’ body proposes direct trains to Kolhapur and Bhuj

Nashik: Jairam Dialani, a member of the Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), has demanded that Central Railway introduce new train services from Nashik to Kolhapur in west Maharashtra and to Bhuj in Gujarat, both routes operating via Kalyan, citing growing passenger demand and the need for better regional connectivity.The proposals were formally presented during a ZRUCC meeting held at the Central Railway headquarters at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. Dialani said the plans aim to connect Nashik Road with Bhuj in Kutch and with Kolhapur via Pune, adding that the initiative has received widespread public backing in Nashik and support from elected representatives, including Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje, Dhule MP Shobha Bachav, Dindori MP Bhaskar Bhagare and Nashik West MLA Seema Hiray.Highlighting Nashik's rapid population growth and its strategic importance, Dialani said the city hosts key defence and public sector establishments such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the India Security Press and the Artillery Centre, making enhanced rail connectivity essential.He said the proposed Nashik-Kolhapur service via the Panvel-Karjat bypass would connect two major Shaktipeeths and cater to thousands of students travelling to Pune as well as pilgrims visiting the religious circuit linking Saptashringi Devi in Nashik with Ambabai in Kolhapur. The use of the bypass, now equipped with double tracks, would also reduce travel time by avoiding congestion on the Mumbai suburban network.Similarly, Dialani said the Nashik-Bhuj service via the Vasai Road bypass is intended to link Nashik's agriculture and MSME sectors with the Kutch economic region, while also facilitating the movement of pilgrims from Gujarat for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. He added that the train could cover the distance in nearly the same time as road travel, while offering greater safety and comfort.Dialani noted that the absence of direct rail connectivity on these routes hampers ease of doing business and passenger safety, while allowing private bus operators to dominate the corridors, resulting in revenue loss for the Railways.According to Dialani, railway authorities have assured the committee that the proposals will be examined at the earliest and possible solutions explored.