Significant Infrastructure Milestone for Pune and Maharashtra
On September 29, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an essential stretch of Pune Metro and laid the foundation stone for numerous vital projects in Maharashtra worth over ₹11,200 crore. The inauguration of the underground metro stretch covering the area from District Court to Swargate completed phase one of the Pune Metro Rail project. The event was held virtually due to inclement weather, a reminder that the nation is very much cutting out for better infrastructure no matter what.
In his address, PM Modi commended the government’s efforts, stating, “The growing population of Pune should improve capacity rather than slow it down; we need to take proactive steps. This will happen when modern public transport comes to Pune”. He emphasised the modernities that should be executed near Pune with maintainable modernisation.
Modi critiqued the other, saying no metro pillar had been built under their government’s rule. “Although the previous government could not construct even one metro pillar within eight years, our government has built a modern metro station in Pune”.- That starkly contrasts the headlong build new focus of the Largo, currently in power.
The investment to the tune of ₹11,200 crore consists of several projects which collectively seek to boost the economy of Maharashtra. Highlights include:
- Water supply and sewage treatment projects: The thrust will be greater access to water and sanitation, critical to health and quality of life.
- Road infrastructure: Greater road connectivity and the opening up of traffic flow will provide better logistics for businesses.
- Initiatives for rural development: The investment planned for the rural areas aims at raising living standards in contrast to a one-way approach only toward urban development with a view to equality in growth.
Additional Projects and Initiatives
Union Minister Modi dedicated several other projects alongside the inauguration of the metro. Notable among them was the renovation of Solapur Airport, which now has dramatically increased terminal capacity and facilities aimed at achieving direct air travel for devotees visiting the Vithoba temple. “With the blessings of Lord Vitthal, who is blessed with direct air connectivity to Solapur, it will ensure the devotees are bestowed with a boon,” Modi remarked, mentioning how the project would boost regional tourism.
Further, the Prime Minister performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the Kranti Jyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial at the location where the first girls’ school began, thus achieving a worthy milestone in the direction of educational and social development in the region.
