Prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for Pune Metro projects worth around ₹21,800 crore on Tuesday through video conferencing. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the PM extended warm Diwali greetings to the people of Pune and Maharashtra and remarked that festive joy multiplies when new public conveniences are added to daily life.

Recalling how he laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Pune Metro ten years ago, he noted that the inauguration of the Hinjawadi to Shivajinagar corridor will provide superior connectivity to a major IT hub while the new line initiated today will further link the old and new parts of the city. 

 

Describing Pune as a historic centre of ideas that has consistently guided the nation and society, the PM stated that the city is now channeling the fresh energy of a Viksit Bharat across IT, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, startups, innovation, and manufacturing as a hub of youth aspirations. “And in such a scenario, the strengthening metro connectivity here is going to give new momentum to the development of Pune city,” noted Modi.

 

Explaining that the expansion of the Pune Metro reflects how modern cities are being shaped for a Viksit Bharat, he observed that beyond traditional markers like industries, cuisine, or local produce, urban centers are now judged by their competitiveness and Ease of Living, both of which are enhanced by metro networks that save commuting time and offer greater convenience. He pointed out that saving a city's time boosts urban productivity, which in turn accelerates the national economy. “And when the economy grows, both the poor and the middle class benefit from it,” asserted Modi.

 

Citing the occasion as a prime example of pro-people and proactive governance, the PM highlighted that over the past 12 years, India's metro network has expanded to nearly 1,200 kilometres across 26 cities serving over one crore daily commuters. “Today the Indian metro network is counted among the top three metro networks in the world,” noted PM Modi.

 

Observing that Maharashtra mirrored the national transformation since 2014 when only 10 to 11 kms of metro lines were operational in the state, the PM pointed out that nearly 175 kms are now in service while construction is underway on over 680 kms with an investment exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh crore. “This money is going into the pockets of laborers, this money is giving employment to engineers, and this money is creating employment in shops and in factories,” observed Modi.

 

Highlighting another distinctive aspect of the newly inaugurated corridor, the PM noted that the metro line has been constructed under the Public-Private Partnership model through the combined efforts of the government and the private sector. “This is such a model of development whose success gives further momentum to the progress of the country,” remarked the PM.

 

Emphasizing that cities are major engines of economic activity rather than mere residential spaces and that hundreds of smaller towns must be transformed into growth hubs, the PM highlighted the approval of the Urban Challenge Fund in February this year backed by one lakh crore rupees in Central assistance to mobilize lakhs of crores in urban investment. He urged local bodies and private sector partners to join this effort in mission mode. “I am confident that Maharashtra will expand its role in this even further,” affirmed Modi.

 

Reminding citizens during this festive season of their social responsibility to remember drought-affected citizens, farming families, and others in distress so that the joy of Diwali remains in their homes as well, the PM urged the nation to stand united in overcoming the calamity. “Only together will we face this calamity,” asserted Modi.