Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from Civil Court to Swargate on Sunday via a video link. This new route includes three metro stations—Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate—which aim to ease traffic congestion in Pune's central areas, relieve pressure on roads in other parts, 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. In addition to this, the PM will also lay the foundation stone for the Swargate to Katraj underground metro stretch and inaugurate the Solapur airport. The inauguration of the Swargate metro stretch, which was initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed due to a heavy rain alert, putting the metro services on hold until a new opening date is announced. The city's BJP unit president, Dheeraj Ghate, assured commuters that the metro stretch will open at the earliest, exploring options for a virtual inauguration by the PM or rescheduling his visit. Despite commuters' disappointment at the delay, metro officials are awaiting instructions from the state and central government to proceed with the opening on Sunday.VIPs are present and available. Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro commuter, expressed his opinion that delaying the opening of the metro is illogical, as it is meant for commuters. He believes that there is no need to postpone the opening for VIPs, as they can visit later. Many commuters waiting to use the metro are disappointed. Deshpande emphasized the importance of starting the metro services as soon as possible. Shivajinagar resident Virdas Khude shared his disappointment that the metro line to Swargate was expected to be operational during Ganeshotsav. He questioned how many more days commuters will have to wait for the stretch to open. MVA leaders, including Congress and NCP (SCP), argued that the BJP's insistence on having the PM inaugurate the services was 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), announced that MVA supporters will gather at the Civil Court metro station on Friday to inaugurate the stretch for the convenience of the people. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar criticized the BJP's motive for wanting the PM to visit Pune ahead of the assembly election. He demanded that the metro stretch be opened promptly for the citizens. Commuters expressed that a graphic facility is much needed. The Civil Court to Swargate is a 3.5km underground stretch with three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate. Maha Metro has prepared one entry-exit point at all three stations for commuters, with the rakes scheduled to run from 8.30 pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rain, there was consideration to hold the inauguration at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, an enclosed hall near Swargate, on Thursday morning, but this plan was abandoned when the PM's visit was canceled.AAP leaders stated that despite completing work on the route a month ago, numerous assets worth crores of rupees are currently unused due to the unavailability of the Prime Minister. The project, funded by the money of Puneites and taxpayers to alleviate traffic congestion, is waiting to be put into operation. The expansion of the metro has garnered increased popularity with the opening of multiple new stations. There's a call for prioritizing the completion of public transport initiatives promptly and not delaying their launch, as a substantial amount of funds have already been invested in the metro's development. Local residents emphasize that there's no necessity to delay inaugurations waiting for VIPs, especially for projects like the metro that benefit a large segment of the population. While there's no objection to holding an inaugural event, it should not be at the expense of the citizens' interests.