Pune: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from Civil Court to Swargate via a virtual video link on Sunday. This development includes the opening of three metro stations – Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate – which will significantly 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 virtual inauguration by the PM on Sunday. Additionally, the PM will lay the foundation stone for the underground metro stretch from Swargate to Katraj and inaugurate the Solapur airport.

The PM was initially scheduled to inaugurate the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday and travel from Civil Court to Swargate in the metro. However, his visit was canceled due to a heavy rain alert, postponing the metro's services from Civil Court to Swargate until a new opening date is determined. BJP's city unit president, Dheeraj Ghate, mentioned that efforts were being made to open the stretch for commuters as soon as possible, either through a virtual inauguration by the PM or by rescheduling his visit.

According to Executive Director of Maha Metro Hemant Sonawane, the cancellation of Thursday's function was due to the weather alert. Metro officials are presently awaiting instructions from the state and central governments for the opening on Sunday. Despite the delay, commuters who were eager to use the metro to Swargate on Thursday expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the project was funded by taxpayers and should be operational promptly, with the inauguration held separately if necessary.The VIPs are now accessible. According to Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro commuter, delaying the opening of the metro is nonsensical as it is meant for commuters. He expressed that there is no need to wait for VIPs to inaugurate it, as they can do so at any time later. Many commuters eagerly waiting to ride the metro are disappointed with the delay and urge the authorities to start the services as soon as possible. Virdas Khude, a resident of Shivajinagar, mentioned that the metro line to Swargate was expected to be operational during Ganeshotsav. Expressing uncertainty about when the stretch will finally open, he shared his frustration. Leaders of the MVA, including Congress and NCP (SCP), criticized the BJP's insistence on having the PM inaugurate the services, deeming it unnecessary. They threatened to open the Civil Court to Swargate route on Friday if metro officials do not take action. Prashant Jagtap, the city unit president of NCP (SCP), emphasized the inconvenience caused to the people by keeping the Civil Court to Swargate stretch non-operational due to the Prime Minister's canceled visit. He announced that MVA supporters will gather at the Civil Court metro station on Friday morning to inaugurate the stretch for public convenience. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar criticized the BJP's motives for wanting the PM to visit Pune ahead of the assembly election. He highlighted the unnecessary use of public funds for organizing the event and demanded that the Metro stretch be immediately opened for the benefit of citizens. Commuters emphasized the urgent need for the Graphic Facility. The Civil Court to Swargate stretch is a 3.5km underground route with three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate. Maha Metro has set up one entry-exit point in each of the three stations for commuters, with the rakes scheduled to begin operating from 8.30 pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rain, there was a consideration to hold the inauguration at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, an enclosed hall near Swargate, on Thursday morning, but the plan was ultimately scrapped following the cancellation of the PM's visit.A month ago, leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced that work on the route had been completed. However, due to the Prime Minister's unavailability, assets worth thousands of crores of rupees are currently unused. The project, funded by Puneites and taxpayers, aims to alleviate traffic congestion. The metro's popularity has increased with the opening of more stations. It is essential for the administration to prioritize the completion of mass transport projects without delays. Significant funds have been invested in the metro's construction, and it is crucial to put this infrastructure to use. Anant Naik, a resident of Kothrud, highlighted that there is no need to wait for VIPs to inaugurate such projects that benefit a large population. Saili Ghodke, a college student, emphasized that while there is no opposition to inauguration events, they should not be at the expense of citizens' interests.