Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from Civil Court to Swargate on Sunday via a video link. This new section will include three metro stations – Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate – which aim to alleviate traffic congestion in core areas of Pune, ease pressure on roads in various neighborhoods, 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 of the metro on Sunday. Additionally, the PM will also lay the foundation for the underground metro stretch from Swargate to Katraj and inaugurate the Solapur airport.

In a recent development, the PM's visit to inaugurate the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday had to be cancelled due to heavy rain alerts, leading to a temporary suspension of metro services from Civil Court to Swargate until a new opening date is determined. BJP's city unit president Dheeraj Ghate mentioned that efforts are being made to open the stretch for commuters at the earliest, considering options such as a virtual inauguration or rescheduling the PM's visit. Maha Metro's executive director Hemant Sonawane explained that the cancellation on Thursday was due to weather concerns, and further instructions from the state and central governments are awaited for Sunday's opening. Despite the delay, commuters are eager to utilize the metro service to Swargate, expressing dissatisfaction over the delay in operationalizing the project funded by taxpayers.The VIPs are here, but some commuters express frustration over the delayed opening of the metro. Ashish Deshpande, who regularly uses the metro, finds it illogical to wait for VIPs to inaugurate the service, as this inconveniences the many commuters eager to start using it. Another commuter, Virdas Khude from Shivajinagar, expected the metro line to Swargate to be up and running during Ganeshotsav, expressing uncertainty about the continuing delay. Meanwhile, MVA leaders criticize the BJP's insistence on having the PM inaugurate the services, deeming it unnecessary. They have threatened to open the Civil Court to Swargate route themselves if metro officials do not take action. Prashant Jagtap of the NCP (SCP) stresses the importance of providing operational metro services to the people, rather than waiting for political events. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar accuses the BJP of seeking political advantage by delaying the opening of the metro stretch. Commuters stress the need for operational metro services and mention that the Civil Court to Swargate stretch has three unopened stations. Although there were considerations to hold the inauguration indoors due to heavy rain, these plans were set aside following the cancellation of the PM's visit.Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that despite the completion of work on the route a month ago, assets worth thousands of crores of rupees remain unused due to the unavailability of the Prime Minister. The project, financed by the citizens of Pune and taxpayers to alleviate traffic congestion, has been completed.

Metro services have become more popular since the opening of additional stations. It is essential for the authorities to prioritize the completion of mass transport projects without delay. Significant funds have already been invested in the construction of the metro infrastructure, which should be utilized effectively.

Anant Naik, a resident of Kothrud, emphasized that there is no necessity to wait for VIPs to inaugurate infrastructure projects such as the metro, which benefit a large population. While there is no objection to inauguration events, they should not be at odds with the interests of the citizens, as expressed by Saili Ghodke, a college student.