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. This milestone will include the opening of three metro stations - Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate - which will greatly help ease traffic congestion in Pune's core areas, relieve pressure on roads in various locations, and enhance connectivity between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Officials from Maha Metro, along with Pune's MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, have confirmed this inauguration event. Additionally, the PM will also lay the foundation for the underground metro stretch from Swargate to Katraj and inaugurate the Solapur airport. The PM's earlier planned inauguration of the Swargate metro stretch was postponed due to inclement weather, resulting in the temporary suspension of metro services on this route. Efforts are being made to reschedule the PM's visit or conduct a virtual inauguration to allow the official opening of the metro stretch. Passengers eager to use the metro service to Swargate expressed disappointment over the delay and urged for immediate commencement of operations given that the project was funded by taxpayers.The VIPs are present. Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro user, expressed disbelief at the delayed opening of the metro, emphasizing that it is meant for commuters. He stated that there should be no need to wait for VIPs to inaugurate it since they can do so at a later time. Many commuters who are eagerly waiting to use the metro are feeling let down. Deshpande urged the authorities to kickstart the services without further delay. Virdas Khude, a resident of Shivajinagar, mentioned the disappointment among commuters as the metro line to Swargate was anticipated to be operational during Ganeshotsav. He added that the uncertainty of how long commuters will have to wait for the stretch to open is frustrating. Leaders from 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 by themselves on Friday if the metro officials do not take action. Prashant Jagtap, the city unit president of NCP (SCP), emphasized that keeping the Civil Court to Swargate stretch non-operational due to the cancellation of the Prime Minister's visit does not benefit the citizens of Pune. MVA supporters plan to 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, suggesting it is for political gain ahead of the assembly election. He urged the government to open the Metro stretch promptly for the citizens without any further delays. Commuters stress the importance of having the Graphic Facility. The Civil Court to Swargate stretch, which is 3.5km underground with three stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate, remains closed. Maha Metro has provided one entry-exit point in each station for commuters, with planned train operations from 8:30 PM on Thursday. Due to heavy rain, there was consideration for holding the inauguration at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, a sheltered venue near Swargate, but the plan was ultimately scrapped with the PM's visit cancellation.Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that the project's development was finished a month ago, but due to the Prime Minister's unavailability, valuable assets worth billions of rupees remain unused. The project, funded by the citizens of Pune and taxpayers, aims to alleviate traffic congestion. The popularity of the metro has grown since more stations were opened. It is crucial for the authorities to prioritize the completion of mass transportation projects and not delay their opening. Considering the considerable investment already made in the metro's construction, the infrastructure should be utilized efficiently. Anant Naik, a resident of Kothrud, emphasized the need to not wait for VIPs to inaugurate infrastructure projects such as the metro, which benefit a large portion of the population. Saili Ghodke, a college student, supported the notion that while there is no objection to inauguration ceremonies, they should not be detrimental to the interests of the public.