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 video link. This new metro route will include the opening of three stations – Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate – which will significantly ease traffic congestion in central Pune, relieve pressure on roads in various areas, and enhance connectivity between Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Officials from Maha Metro, along with Pune's Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, have confirmed the PM's virtual inauguration scheduled for Sunday. Additionally, the PM will also lay the foundation for the underground metro stretch from Swargate to Katraj and inaugurate the Solapur airport.

The inauguration of the Swargate metro stretch was originally planned for Thursday, with the PM intending to travel in the metro from Civil Court to Swargate. However, his visit was canceled due to a heavy rain alert, causing the metro services on this route to be suspended until a new opening date could be determined. BJP's city unit president, Dheeraj Ghate, stated that efforts were being made to open the stretch to commuters at the earliest, whether through a virtual inauguration by the PM or by rescheduling his visit.

Hemant Sonawane, the executive director of Maha Metro, mentioned that the cancellation of the event on Thursday was due to the weather alert. While waiting for instructions from the state and central governments for the expected opening on Sunday, commuters who were anticipating using the metro line to Swargate on Thursday expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that the project was funded by taxpayers and should be operational without delay, with the inauguration ceremony to follow later.The availability of VIPs has caused delays in opening the metro services, much to the disappointment of regular commuters. Voices from the community, such as Ashish Deshpande and Virdas Khude, express frustration over the unnecessary delay for VIP inaugurations. Members of the MVA, including Congress and NCP, criticized the BJP's insistence on involving the Prime Minister in the inauguration, deeming it as politically motivated and a waste of public resources. They threatened to open the Civil Court to Swargate route themselves if metro officials do not act promptly. The need for a functional metro line, especially during events like Ganeshotsav, is emphasized by residents and leaders alike. The delayed opening of the 3.5km underground stretch, which includes three unopened stations, has sparked demands for immediate action from the authorities to benefit the citizens.AAP leaders stated that although the work on the route was finished a month ago, the assets worth thousands of crores of rupees are currently unused due to the unavailability of the PM. The project, which was funded by the citizens of Pune and taxpayers, aimed to alleviate traffic congestion. The metro has seen increased popularity since the opening of more stations, and the authorities should prioritize the completion of mass transport projects rather than delaying their inauguration. Significant funds have already been invested in the metro's construction, and it is crucial to put the infrastructure to use promptly. A resident of Kothrud, Anant Naik, emphasized that there is no need to delay inaugurations for VIP attendance, especially for projects like the metro that benefit a large population. College student Saili Ghodke added that while there is no opposition to inauguration events, they should not go against the interests of the citizens.