Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from Civil Court to Swargate on Sunday. The opening of three metro stations – Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate – along this route will greatly help in easing traffic congestion in Pune's core areas, relieving pressure on roads in various parts, and enhancing connectivity between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Maha Metro officials, along with Pune's Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, have confirmed the PM's virtual inauguration on Sunday. In addition to this, the PM will also lay the foundation for the underground metro stretch from Swargate to Katraj and inaugurate the Solapur airport.

The PM's initial plan to inaugurate the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday, including a metro ride between Civil Court and Swargate, was canceled due to a heavy rain alert. Consequently, the metro services on this stretch have been put on hold until a new opening date is announced. BJP's city unit president, Dheeraj Ghate, assured that the stretch will be opened for commuters as soon as possible, considering options such as a virtual inauguration by the PM or rescheduling his visit.

Executive director of Maha Metro, Hemant Sonawane, mentioned that the cancellation was due to a weather alert, and further instructions from the state and central government are awaited for the rescheduled opening on Sunday. Despite the delay, commuters expressed disappointment in not being able to use the Metro to Swargate on Thursday, emphasizing that the project was funded by taxpayers and should be operational without delay, with the inauguration to follow.The VIPs are present and delays in the opening of the metro are illogical, according to regular metro commuter Ashish Deshpande. Deshpande stated that the metro is meant for commuters and there is no need to wait for VIPs to inaugurate it as they can do so at a later time. Many waiting commuters are disappointed, and authorities should start metro services promptly. Shivajinagar resident Virdas Khude expressed disappointment that the metro line to Swargate was expected to be operational during Ganeshotsav but is still closed. Members of the MVA, including Congress and NCP (SCP), criticized the BJP's insistence on having the PM inaugurate the services, deeming it unnecessary. The group threatened to open the Civil Court to Swargate route themselves if metro officials do not take action. Prashant Jagtap, city unit president of NCP (SCP), highlighted the inconvenience caused to Puneites by keeping the metro stretch closed due to the cancelled PM visit. MVA supporters plan to gather at the Civil Court metro station on Friday to inaugurate the stretch for the public's benefit. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar criticized the BJP's motives for wanting the PM to visit Pune, attributing it to the upcoming assembly election. Dhangekar called for the immediate opening of the metro stretch to the citizens. Commuters stress the need for graphic facilities in the metro. The Civil Court to Swargate stretch consists of three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate, with Maha Metro having set up operational entry-exit points at each station. The metro rakes were scheduled to run from 8.30pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rain, there was a consideration to hold the inauguration at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch near Swargate, which was later discarded following the cancellation of the PM's visit.Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reported that the completion of work on the route happened a month ago. However, due to the unavailability of the Prime Minister, assets worth thousands of crores of rupees remain unused. The project, funded by Puneites and taxpayers to alleviate traffic congestion, should prioritize the opening of mass transport projects over VIP inaugurations. With the inauguration of additional metro stations proving popular, it is essential to put the substantial investment in metro infrastructure to use promptly. Residents like Anant Naik from Kothrud emphasize that infrastructure projects like the metro, benefiting a large population, should not be delayed for VIP attendance. College student Saili Ghodke echoes the sentiment that while there is no objection to inauguration events, they should align with the citizens' best interests.