Shruti Sneha, Pune
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched and laid the foundation stone for several projects totaling ₹11,200 crore in Maharashtra on Sunday (September 29, 2024), including the new Pune Metro section. His planned trip to Pune on September 26 was called off because of the heavy rainfall in the city.
PM Modi launched the new underground section of the Pune Metro, spanning from District Court to Swargate, signaling the end of Phase-1 of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The underground section, which runs from District Court to Swargate, was constructed for a total amount of ₹1,810 crore.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, as well as other leaders, took part in the event held in Pune.
He also inaugurated the Swargate-Katraj extension as part of Phase-1 of the Pune Metro. The 5.46 km long southern extension, completely underground, will feature three stations – Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj. The cost estimate for the project is ₹2,955 crore.PM Modi also opened Solapur Airport, which has been renovated to handle approximately 4.1 lakh travelers each year.
He also placed the first stone for the Memorial to Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule’s First Girls’ School in Bhidewada, Pune, honoring India’s first female educator and her efforts in promoting women’s education.
Speaking from New Delhi via virtual means, the Prime Minister mentioned the recent event cancellation in Pune due to weather and attributed technology to today’s virtual gathering, noting the state’s rich history of inspiring individuals entering a new era of development. He further mentioned the inauguration of the Memorial for Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule’s First Girls’ School at Bhidewada and was pleased with the rapid progress towards improving the quality of life in Pune.
When discussing Pune’s advancement and the impact of the increasing population, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of taking immediate action to enhance growth and capacity. He stated that the current state government is focused on modernizing public transportation and improving connectivity as the city continues to grow in order to achieve this objective.
However, Supriya Sule, MP of Baramati from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), rebuked the Prime Minister for inaugurating the ‘same’ project on five different occasions.