With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pune being postponed, the opening of the Metro service from Civil Court to Swargate to the public has been delayed, the Pune Metro authorities said. During his visit, PM Modi was to inaugurate the underground Metro rail route today, The Indian Express reported. However, due to the heavy rainfall prediction in the city, the visit had to be cancelled last minute.
A final decision will be made following discussions with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). On Thursday, PM Modi was scheduled to inaugurate 11 projects, including the new Pune Metro line.
“The on-site inauguration is on hold as of now. So the public service of Pune Metro from Civil Court to Swargate will not start till the official inauguration. But there is a high-level discussion going on,” said executive director of Pune Metro Hemant Sonawane said.
According to another official, Pune Metro is in discussions with the Prime Minister’s Office to explore the possibility of a virtual inauguration, as all preparations have been completed and the service is ready to be opened to the public.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reviewed the arrangements late Wednesday night and expressed confidence that the event would proceed smoothly.
Meanwhile, Metro authorities have confirmed that the Civil Court station will remain open to the public throughout the day, with regular Metro services operating as usual.