Land acquisition issue hampers Pune division railway works

Reasons cited for stumbling blocks range from villagers not willing to part with their land and political issues to legal hurdles

Land acquisition hurdles is preventing Central railway Pune division (CRPD) from executing three of its major developmental projects which were started years back. The authorities concerned are struggling to go agead with the Pune-Miraj rail track doubling project, construction of Hadapsar railway terminus and the Phaltan-Baramati track.

Once the Hadapsar railway station is ready, select north-bound trains will depart from the station, thus reducing the congestion at the existing Pune railway station. This picture shows the Hadapsar railway station where work has been stalled. (SHANKAR NARAYAN/HT PHOTO)

Villagers have been staging opposition for the land acquisition process, ever since the project starts rolling. In October 2018, farmers of five villages in Baramati came together and held 6 officials of CRPD, who were there to conduct a survey for land acquisition, hostage. The officials were released after police intervention.

Talking about the issue, Milind Deouskar, Pune divisional raluway manager (DRM) said , “A perception has been created that the Indian railways is attempting to physically divide the villages, by undertaking developmental projects. So, we are facing strong opposition to the land acquisition process.”

The reasons for opposing land acquisition ranges from villagers not willing to part with their land to political issues to legal hurdles.

“In the Pune-Miraj rail track doubling, work was in the advanced stage. However, work was stuck because of opposition to land acquisition. Similarly, the construction of the Hadapsar railway terminus was stopped as few villagers have taken the legal course claiming ownership of the land,” said Deouskar.

According to Deouskar, the Phaltan to Baramati project which could have saved 150 kilometers of run for the goods train is stuck owing to local farmers who are resisting land acquisition. All these issues lead to delay in the execution of the project which eventually delays development.

According to Railway officials, the project cost of the Hadapsar Railway terminus has escalated from Rs 24 crore to Rs 35 crore, owing to the delay in the execution of the project. The railway officials revealed that extension of the length of two platforms (750 metres) along with the installation of two railway lines are remaining, after which facilities like sheds will be built.

Another official of the Pune railway division requesting anonymity said, “A majority of the land needed for the Pune-Miraj rail track doubling project is yet to be acquired, which might cause an eventual delay in the project completion. Currently, we have begun the work in the land that is already available to us.”