Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the 3.5 km underground metro stretch from Civil Court to Swargate on Sunday. This will mark the opening of three metro stations – Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate – which will help ease traffic congestion in Pune's core areas, relieve pressure on roads in various locations, 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. Additionally, the PM will also lay the foundation stone for the Swargate to Katraj underground metro stretch and inaugurate the Solapur airport.

Regarding the inauguration delay, the PM was initially scheduled to inaugurate the Swargate metro stretch on Thursday and take a ride between Civil Court and Swargate. However, due to a heavy rain alert, the visit was canceled, leading to a temporary halt in metro services on this route. The city's BJP unit president mentioned that efforts were being made to open the metro for commuters as soon as possible, either through a virtual inauguration or by rescheduling the PM's visit. The Executive Director of Maha Metro, Hemant Sonawane, explained that the cancellation on Thursday was due to the weather alert, and they were awaiting instructions from the state and central governments for the rescheduled opening on Sunday. Despite the delays, commuters are eager for the operational commencement of the metro, emphasizing that the project was funded by taxpayers and should be made accessible to the public promptly.The VIPs are present. Ashish Deshpande, a regular metro commuter, expressed his belief that delaying the opening of the metro is illogical, as it is meant for commuters. He stated that there is no requirement to postpone the opening for VIPs, as they can visit at a later time. Many commuters waiting to use the metro are disappointed and feel that the services should start as soon as possible. Shivajinagar resident Virdas Khude mentioned that the metro line to Swargate was anticipated to be operational during Ganeshotsav. Uncertainty remains among commuters regarding how much longer they will have to wait for the stretch to open. Leaders from the MVA, including Congress and NCP (SCP), argued against the BJP's insistence on having the Prime Minister inaugurate the services, considering it unnecessary. Members 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), emphasized that the non-operational status of the Civil Court to Swargate metro stretch solely because of the cancellation of the Prime Minister's visit does not benefit the residents of Pune. MVA supporters plan to gather at the Civil Court metro station at 11 am on Friday to inaugurate the stretch for the convenience of the people. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar criticized the BJP's motivation for wanting the Prime Minister to visit Pune in the context of the assembly election. He highlighted that the government could have opened the Civil Court to Swargate stretch independently of this event, but they seem to be seeking political gain and unnecessarily spending public funds on these ceremonies. The demand is for the Metro stretch to be opened promptly for the citizens. Commuters emphasize the importance of a Graphic Facility. The Civil Court to Swargate underground stretch spans 3.5km with three unopened stations at Kasba Peth, Mandai, and Swargate. Maha Metro has created operational entry and exit points at all three stations for commuters, with the rakes scheduled to run from 8.30pm on Thursday. Due to heavy rain, there was consideration of holding 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.Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have stated that the route project, which was completed a month ago, remains unused due to the Prime Minister's unavailability. They highlighted that assets worth thousands of crores of rupees, funded by Puneites and taxpayers, are lying idle. The Metro system has gained popularity with the opening of more stations. The leaders emphasized the importance of prioritizing the completion of mass transport projects without unnecessary delays. They stressed that the infrastructure, which has already incurred significant costs, should be utilized effectively. Residents, such as Anant Naik from Kothrud, and college student Saili Ghodke, expressed that inaugurations for infrastructure projects like the metro should not be stalled for VIPs and should prioritize the interests of the population.