TAT of rakes would have been very high owing to long distances which, considering the limited number of rakes in operation would have severely impacted delivery of water.
Then there may also be an issue of discontent with resource of one state being taken off to others. While public may have not objected to it, we have enough crackhead politicians who would stir up a storm on anything to gain mileage.
Taking water from Miraj was far better alternative considering the scenario. Not to mention that it feels like poetic justice...
more... as it is the growing of water guzzling crops in western maharashtra (which includes Sangli-Miraj belt) which was a major factor in the current drought in most of Maharashtra.