Pune: In a virtual ceremony on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially open the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from the Civil Court to Swargate. This new line, which includes metro stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate, aims to alleviate traffic congestion in central Pune, ease pressure on surrounding roads, and improve connectivity between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The inauguration of the metro line by the Prime Minister will also mark the beginning of construction for the next phase of the underground metro from Swargate to Katraj, as well as the opening of the Solapur airport. Despite initial plans for the PM to inaugurate the metro stretch on Thursday by traveling from the Civil Court to Swargate, the event was postponed due to weather concerns. The rescheduled opening date is pending confirmation from state and central government authorities. While commuters were left disappointed by the delay, local BJP officials have assured that the metro services will resume promptly, with the possibility of a virtual inauguration or a rescheduled visit by the Prime Minister being considered.The VIPs are currently available. Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro commuter, expressed his disagreement with delaying the opening of the metro, stating that it is primarily for commuters. Deshpande emphasized that there is no need to hold back the opening for VIPs to attend, as they can visit at a later time. He noted that many commuters eagerly waiting to utilize the metro services are feeling disappointed and urged the authorities to initiate the services promptly. Resident Virdas Khude from Shivajinagar mentioned that the metro line towards Swargate was anticipated to be operational during Ganeshotsav. Khude added that the uncertainty of when the stretch will finally open is causing frustration among commuters. Leaders from MVA, including Congress and NCP (SCP), criticized BJP's insistence on having the Prime Minister inaugurate the metro services, deeming it unnecessary. They threatened to inaugurate the Civil Court to Swargate route themselves on Friday if metro officials do not take action. Prashant Jagtap, the city unit president of NCP (SCP), asserted that the non-operation of the Civil Court to Swargate stretch solely due to the PM's cancelled visit does not benefit the citizens of Pune. MVA supporters plan to gather at the Civil Court metro station and inaugurate the stretch for the public's convenience. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar accused BJP of aiming to leverage the PM's visit for political gain in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that the metro stretch should be opened promptly for the citizens. Commuters have emphasized the urgent need for the Graphic Facility. The Civil Court to Swargate segment, which spans 3.5km underground and includes three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate, has one operational entry-exit point at each station for commuters. The metro trains were scheduled to commence operations from 8:30 pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rainfall, there was a consideration to relocate the inauguration to Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, an enclosed venue near Swargate, but this idea was ultimately abandoned following the cancellation of the PM's visit.Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) mentioned that despite the completion of work on the route a month ago, assets worth thousands of crores of rupees are currently unused due to the Prime Minister's unavailability. The project, funded by Pune residents and taxpayers, aimed to alleviate traffic congestion. They emphasized the importance of promptly finishing mass transport projects like the metro to serve the public interest and make use of the significant investment already made in its construction. Residents like Anant Naik from Kothrud and college student Saili Ghodke echoed the sentiment that such infrastructure projects should not be delayed for VIP inaugurations, as they benefit a large number of citizens.