Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the Metro line between Shivajinagar District Court and Swargate in Pune on September 29, as announced by local MP and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol. This significant event will also see the Prime Minister laying the foundation for the Swargate-Katraj Metro stretch, marking a milestone in the development of public transportation in Pune.
The planned visit of PM Modi to Pune was previously canceled due to heavy rainfall, which disrupted the arrangements for the inauguration of the Metro corridor and the launch of various development projects worth Rs 22,600 crore ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. However, the virtual inauguration will now allow the Prime Minister to fulfill his commitments without being hindered by adverse weather conditions.
Mohol confirmed the virtual inauguration on a social media platform, stating, “PM Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the Shivajinagar District Court-Swargate stretch of Pune Metro and laying the foundation stone of the Swargate-Katraj stretch virtually on 29th September.” This virtual inauguration showcases the adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges, ensuring that the progress of important infrastructure projects continues uninterrupted.
Weather Disrupts PM’s Visit
The preparations for PM Modi’s in-person visit were initially made at the SP College ground, but the adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of the event. In response to this, NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule suggested that the Prime Minister proceed with the online inauguration, highlighting his past experiences of inaugurating similar projects multiple times before. On the other hand, Pune NCP (SP) chief Prashant Jagtap took a more confrontational stance, warning that if the government did not open the Civil Court-Swargate Metro line to the public, MVA leaders would take matters into their own hands.
Purple Metro Line: Swargate to Katraj
The newly inaugurated Metro line connecting Swargate to Katraj spans a length of 5.464 km and operates as an underground system. This segment includes three stations: Market Yard (Gultekdi), Saibaba Nagar, and Katraj, providing commuters with convenient access to key locations in the city. The introduction of this Metro line will significantly improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in Pune, contributing to the overall development of the region’s public transportation infrastructure.
Background on Pune Metro
Pune Metro is a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) currently under construction in Pune, Maharashtra, overseen by the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The Phase 1 project encompasses 31.254 km and features two metro lines with 29 stations, catering to the growing transportation needs of the city’s residents.
The detailed project report for Pune Metro was prepared and submitted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in July 2009, undergoing multiple revisions in the subsequent years. Despite facing delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and opposition from local activists regarding its predominantly elevated nature, the project received final approval from the Union Government’s Cabinet on December 7, 2016. The commercial operations for two sections of Phase 1 were inaugurated by PM Modi on March 6, 2022, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progression.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority is also spearheading the development of a third Metro line connecting Hinjewadi to the Civil Court under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This initiative, executed by a consortium including Tata Group and Siemens, aims to further enhance the connectivity and accessibility of public transportation in Pune, supporting the city’s sustainable growth and development.
As Pune Metro continues to expand and evolve, it plays a crucial role in transforming the urban transportation landscape of the city, offering residents a reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of commuting. The virtual inauguration of the Metro line between Shivajinagar District Court and Swargate by PM Modi signifies a significant step forward in the realization of Pune’s vision for a modern and integrated public transportation network.
