Archive · 9 Aug 2026
MLA Satyajeet Tambe Detained During Nashik-Pune Railway Protest
People in the Nashik area of India wanted a fast train line between the cities of Nashik and Pune.
The government first planned a route that passed through towns like Narayangaon and Sangamner.
Later, the government changed the route because it worried the planned line might affect a big telescope at Narayangaon.
Many people were unhappy about the change and wanted the old route back.
On Revolution Day, they held a big protest and blocked a road.
Police and protesters got into a scuffle, and police took the leader, MLA Satyajeet Tambe, into custody.
The protesters asked that a special committee finish its report in 60 days, listen to people's feelings, and hold public meetings.
A government minister promised a decision within seven days.
The protesters said they will keep protesting until the original train route is approved.
MLA Satyajeet Tambe was detained by police during a road-blockade protest at Gonde Phata in Sinnar taluka, near the Samruddhi Mahamarg, demanding a direct semi-high-speed Nashik–Pune railway line.
The protest marked 'Kranti Din' (Revolution Day) and was led by MLA Satyajeet Tambe and MP Rajabhau Waje; a scuffle broke out when police stopped protesters from moving onto the Samruddhi Mahamarg.
The Ministry of Railways changed the original route—which ran through Narayangaon—citing potential risks to the world-class GMRT telescope, and proposed an alternate Nashik–Shirdi–Puntamba–Ahilyanagar–Chakan route.
Tambe demanded that the Anil Kakodkar Committee submit its final report within 60 days without any extension, consider public sentiment, and hold public hearings or Gram Sabhas.
Minister Girish Mahajan assured a decision within seven days and no committee extension, while protesters vowed to continue their agitation until the original direct route is approved.
- Who
- MLA Satyajeet Tambe (detained), MP Rajabhau Waje, protesters and police; Minister Girish Mahajan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also engaged.
- What
- A road-blockade protest demanding a direct semi-high-speed Nashik–Pune railway line, during which a scuffle with police led to Tambe's detention.
- When
- On 'Kranti Din' (Revolution Day); the article reports the protest occurred 'today.'
- Where
- Gonde Phata in Sinnar taluka, near the Samruddhi Mahamarg, Nashik district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Because the Ministry of Railways changed the original direct route, citing potential risks to the GMRT telescope at Narayangaon; protesters want the original route restored.
Protesters and Local Residents
Ministry of Railways and Government
Railway route selection
Protesters and Local Residents
Retain the original direct Nashik–Pune route through Narayangaon and Sangamner to serve local residents.
Ministry of Railways and Government
Use the altered Nashik–Shirdi–Puntamba–Ahilyanagar–Chakan route to avoid potential risks to the world-class GMRT telescope at Narayangaon.
Basis of decision-making
Protesters and Local Residents
The Anil Kakodkar Committee should consider public sentiment and hold public hearings or Gram Sabhas across talukas and villages.
Ministry of Railways and Government
The committee is perceived as focusing on technical aspects rather than public sentiment in deciding the route.
- Protest location
- Gonde Phata, Sinnar taluka, near Samruddhi Mahamarg
- Protest leaders
- MLA Satyajeet Tambe, MP Rajabhau Waje
- Demand
- Direct semi-high-speed railway line between Nashik and Pune
- Original route
- Pune–Chakan–Rajgurunagar–Manchar–Narayangaon–Alephata–Sangamner–Sinnar–Nashik
- Altered route
- Nashik–Shirdi–Puntamba–Ahilyanagar–Chakan
- Reason for route change
- Potential risks to the world-class GMRT telescope at Narayangaon
- Committee deadline demand
- Anil Kakodkar Committee final report within 60 days
- Government assurance
- Decision within seven days; no extension for the committee