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. The opening of three metro stations - Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate on this route is expected to ease traffic congestion in Pune's core areas, alleviate road pressure in various locations, 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 ceremony on Sunday. Additionally, the PM will lay the foundation of the Swargate to Katraj underground metro stretch and inaugurate the Solapur airport on the same day. The planned inauguration of the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday was postponed due to a heavy rain alert. The rescheduling of the PM’s visit or a virtual inauguration is being considered, with the hope of making the metro operational for commuters at the earliest.The VIPs are now available for the inauguration of the metro service. Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro commuter, expressed his view that delaying the opening is illogical since the metro is primarily for the convenience of commuters. He mentioned that there is no need to wait for VIPs to open it, as they can visit at a later time. Many commuters waiting to travel via the metro are disappointed and believe that authorities should commence the services at the earliest.

Virdas Khude, a resident of Shivajinagar, remarked that the metro line to Swargate was anticipated to be operational during Ganeshotsav. Concerned about the uncertainty, he added that commuters are unclear about how many more days they will have to wait for the opening of the stretch.

Leaders from the MVA, including Congress and NCP (SCP), argued that the BJP's insistence on having the Prime Minister inaugurate the services was unnecessary. They warned that if metro officials do not take action, members will open the Civil Court to Swargate route on Friday. Prashant Jagtap, the city unit president of NCP (SCP), affirmed that the non-operational status of the Civil Court to Swargate stretch was not beneficial to Puneites solely because the Prime Minister's visit was canceled. MVA supporters plan to gather at the Civil Court metro station around 11 am on Friday to inaugurate the stretch for the convenience of the people.

Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar accused the BJP of wanting the Prime Minister to visit Pune due to the upcoming assembly election. He mentioned that the government could have opened the Civil Court to Swargate stretch without the event but opted for political mileage, unnecessarily spending public funds. It was demanded that the metro stretch be opened promptly for the citizens' benefit.

Commuters emphasized the urgent need for graphic facility at the Civil Court to Swargate metro stretch, which is 3.5km underground and includes three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate. Maha Metro has facilitated one entry-exit point in all three stations for the convenience of commuters, and the rakes were scheduled to run from 8.30 pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rain, there was consideration to hold the inauguration at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, an enclosed hall near Swargate, on Thursday morning, but the plan was later abandoned following the cancellation of the PM's visit.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders stated that despite completing work on the route a month ago, assets worth thousands of crores of rupees remain unused due to the Prime Minister's unavailability. They emphasized that the project, funded by Puneites and taxpayers to alleviate traffic congestion, needs to be put into operation promptly. The popularity of the Metro has increased with the opening of more stations. It is urged that mass transport projects be completed without delay to maximize their benefits, as significant investments have already been made in their development. Residents, such as Anant Naik from Kothrud, and college student Saili Ghodke, express that infrastructure projects like the Metro, which serve a large population, should not be stalled for VIP inaugurations, as it is essential to prioritize public interests over ceremonial events.