Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the newly constructed Civil Court to Swargate 3.5 km underground metro stretch via a video link this Sunday. 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 pressure on roads in various parts of the city, 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 Swargate to Katraj underground metro stretch and inaugurate the Solapur airport. Given the heavy rain alert, the PM's planned inauguration of the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday was postponed. Efforts are being made to make the metro operational for commuters as soon as possible, with discussions about a virtual inauguration or rescheduling the PM's visit currently underway.The VIPs are ready and available. Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro commuter, expressed his frustration over the delayed opening of the metro, pointing out that it primarily serves commuters. He emphasized that it is unnecessary to keep the metro closed for VIPs, as they can visit later, while many commuters are eager to start using the service. Deshpande urged the authorities to begin metro operations promptly. Shivajinagar resident Virdas Khude mentioned that the metro line to Swargate was expected to be operational during Ganeshotsav and questioned how much longer commuters would have to wait. Leaders of the MVA, including Congress and NCP (SCP), criticized the BJP's insistence on having the Prime Minister inaugurate the metro service, deeming it unnecessary. They threatened to inaugurate the Civil Court to Swargate route themselves on Friday if metro officials do not take action. NCP (SCP) city unit president Prashant Jagtap stated that keeping the metro stretch closed due to the cancellation of the PM's visit does not benefit the residents of Pune. He announced plans for MVA supporters to gather and inaugurate the stretch at the Civil Court metro station for the convenience of the public. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar accused the BJP of seeking political gain by wanting the PM to visit Pune, urging the government to open the metro stretch without delay. Commuters stressed the need for a graphic facility to aid their metro journey. The Civil Court to Swargate underground stretch spans 3.5km with three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate. Maha Metro has set up operational entry-exit points at each station for commuters, with rakes scheduled to run from 8:30 pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rain, the possibility of holding the inauguration at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch near Swargate was considered, but later dismissed with the cancellation of the PM's visit.Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders mentioned that despite completing work on the route a month ago, valuable assets worth thousands of crores of rupees are currently unused due to the Prime Minister's unavailability. The project, funded by Puneites and taxpayers to alleviate traffic congestion, should be promptly put into operation. With the opening of more stations, the metro has become increasingly popular. Priority should be given to the completion of mass transportation projects without unnecessary delays, given the substantial investment made in the metro's construction. Infrastructure like the metro benefits a significant portion of the population, so there is no need to postpone its inauguration for VIP attendance. It is vital that such infrastructure projects not be delayed to ensure the best interests of the citizens.