In Pune, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from Civil Court to Swargate via a video link on Sunday. The opening of three metro stations - Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate - on this route will greatly help in reducing traffic congestion in Pune's core areas, easing pressure on roads in various parts, and improving connectivity between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Maha Metro officials and Pune's MP, as well as Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed the PM's virtual inauguration. Additionally, he will lay the foundation for the Swargate to Katraj underground metro stretch and inaugurate the Solapur airport. The PM's visit to inaugurate the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday was canceled due to a heavy rain alert, postponing the opening of metro services from Civil Court to Swargate. The officials are working on rescheduling the inauguration or organizing a virtual opening. Commuters were disappointed by the delay and urged for the immediate operation of the metro, emphasizing that the project was funded by taxpayers' money.The VIPs are currently available. Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro commuter, expressed his disagreement with delaying the metro opening for VIPs, stating that it is illogical as the metro primarily serves commuters. He emphasized that there is no necessity to wait for VIPs to inaugurate it, as they can do so at a later time. Deshpande highlighted the disappointment among many commuters who are eagerly waiting to use the metro and urged the authorities to commence the services promptly. Similarly, Shivajinagar resident Virdas Khude mentioned that the metro line to Swargate was anticipated to be operational during Ganeshotsav, questioning how much longer commuters will be required to wait for its launch. Leaders of the MVA, comprising Congress and NCP (SCP), criticized the BJP's push for the Prime Minister to inaugurate the services, deeming it unnecessary. They issued a warning that if the metro officials do not take action, members may independently open the Civil Court to Swargate route on Friday. Prashant Jagtap, the city unit president of NCP (SCP), highlighted that it is not beneficial for the residents of Pune if the metro stretch remains non-operational solely due to the cancellation of the Prime Minister's visit. He announced that MVA supporters will gather at the Civil Court metro station on Friday to open the stretch for the public's convenience. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar criticized the BJP's motive for the Prime Minister's visit to Pune, asserting that the government could have opened the Civil Court to Swargate stretch without the event, accusing them of seeking political advantage and wasting public funds. He demanded the immediate opening of the Metro stretch for the citizens. Commuters emphasized the necessity of a Graphic Facility. The Civil Court to Swargate route, a 3.5km underground stretch with three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate, has operational entry-exit points at all stations for the convenience of commuters, with rakes scheduled to run from 8:30 pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rainfall, the option of hosting the inauguration at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, an enclosed hall near Swargate, was considered on Thursday morning but later dismissed following the cancellation of the PM's visit.Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have announced that despite completing work on the route a month ago, the inauguration has been postponed due to the Prime Minister's unavailability. This delay is resulting in assets worth thousands of crores of rupees laying unused. The project, funded by Puneites and taxpayers to alleviate traffic congestion, should be put to use promptly. The Metro has seen increased popularity since opening more stations, and the authorities should prioritize completing mass transport projects without unnecessary delays. There is already a significant investment in the metro's construction, and it should benefit the public without waiting for VIP inaugurations. Infrastructural projects like the metro that serve a large population should not be held back for VIP attendance, ensuring the citizens' best interest is prioritized.