The ambitious high-speed railway project linking Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, often referred to as the "bullet train," has hit a roadblock. More than a year and a half have passed since its announcement, and progress remains stagnant.

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), entrusted with the task of preparing a detailed project report (DPR), has failed to share essential project information with local authorities, including the district collector, and the communities directly affected by the project.

The DPR was expected to provide a thorough analysis of the socio-economic impact of this ambitious undertaking, which is set to traverse 90 villages across seven talukas in the Pune district.
The National Rail Plan (NRP) has outlined multiple potential routes for the development of the high-speed rail network, including the Mumbai-Hyderabad corridor, and has entrusted NHSRCL with preparing a comprehensive DPR. This report is essential for analyzing the project's socioeconomic impact and feasibility.

The proposed bullet train route spans 650 kilometers and encompasses 11 planned stations, with the potential to benefit the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. However, significant concerns have arisen regarding its potential environmental and social consequences, particularly among farmers in the affected regions.

Local farmers have raised objections, prompting comprehensive surveys to assess the impact on project-affected families. These surveys gathered data on financial status, livelihoods, family composition, and expectations of those affected.

Despite the completion of these surveys, NHSRCL has not yet submitted the DPR to the Collector's Office, leaving local administration uncertain about the project's future. Praveen Salunke, Deputy Collector of the Land Acquisition Department, mentioned that they cannot provide specific information about affected villages and groups until NHSRCL submits its proposal.

This lack of communication from NHSRCL over the past 18 months has cast doubts on the project's progress. Additionally, the potential impact on land prices and opposition from farmers further complicates the project's future. Previous issues related to compensation for other government projects in the district, such as the Purandar airport, have exacerbated the situation.

The fate of the Mumbai-Pune-Hyderabad bullet train project remains uncertain, pending the submission of the detailed project report and resolution of concerns from affected communities.

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