Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from Civil Court to Swargate on Sunday via a video link. This opening will include three metro stations — Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate — which will greatly alleviate traffic congestion in central Pune, relieve pressure on roads in various areas, and enhance connectivity between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Maha Metro officials, along with Pune's MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, have confirmed the PM's virtual inauguration on Sunday. Additionally, the PM will lay the foundation for the underground metro stretch from Swargate to Katraj and inaugurate the Solapur airport.
The PM had originally planned to inaugurate the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday by traveling from Civil Court to Swargate in the metro. However, his visit was canceled due to a heavy rain alert, resulting in the suspension of metro services on this route until a new opening date is announced. The BJP's city unit president, Dheeraj Ghate, assured commuters that the metro stretch would be opened at the earliest, potentially through a virtual inauguration or rescheduling the PM's visit.
Maha Metro's Executive Director Hemant Sonawane mentioned that the cancellation on Thursday was due to the weather alert, and further instructions from the state and central governments were awaited for the Sunday opening. While some commuters expressed disappointment at the delay, emphasizing that the project had been funded by taxpayers and the metro should be operational without further delay.VIP presence is causing delays in the opening of the metro, leaving commuters disappointed. Commuters are urging authorities to start services promptly without waiting for VIPs. A metro commuter mentioned that there is no logical reason to delay the opening for VIPs as they can visit later. Another resident expressed frustration over the uncertainty of the metro line's opening date.
Political leaders are at odds regarding the need for the PM to inaugurate the services. Members threatened to open the Civil Court to Swargate route themselves if necessary. The opposition party criticized the government for seeking political gain by delaying the metro's opening for the PM's visit.
Commuters emphasize the importance of a functional metro station for public convenience. The Civil Court to Swargate stretch remains closed despite being ready for operation. There were plans to inaugurate the stretch at an indoor venue due to heavy rain, but these were ultimately scrapped.Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have stated that despite completing the work on the route a month ago, assets worth thousands of crores of rupees are currently unused due to the unavailability of the Prime Minister. They emphasized that the project, which has been funded by both Puneites and taxpayers, aims to alleviate traffic congestion. The metro system has seen an increase in popularity with the opening of more stations. The focus should be on promptly completing mass transport projects instead of prolonging their inauguration. A significant amount of funds have already been invested in the construction of the metro, and the infrastructure should be operational for the public benefit. A resident of Kothrud, Anant Naik, emphasized the importance of not delaying the inauguration of infrastructure projects like the metro that can benefit a large population. Another citizen, college student Saili Ghodke, expressed support for inauguration functions as long as they are in the best interest of the citizens.
