Political Buzz: PM Modi Expected For Pune Visit, Ramwadi Stretch Inauguration And Swargate-Katraj Route Approval On Cards

Pune, 19th January 2024: In anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Pune’s metro network is set to witness significant expansion. The 5.5 km stretch from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi Metro is on track for final inspection and approval by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) next week. Simultaneously, the Swargate-Katraj underground section is expected to receive the Centre’s approval within the next month.

Sources within Pune’s political circles indicate that the Ramwadi stretch could be operational for commuters before the general elections. A senior Maha Metro official confirmed the preliminary inspections conducted by the CMRS team on the Ruby Hall-Ramwadi stretch last week. Following a satisfactory outcome, the team is scheduled for the final inspection next week.

Once operational, the Ruby Hall-Ramwadi section will offer direct connectivity for residents in the Nagar Road area to Deccan Gymkhana and Kothrud, according to Maha Metro officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Metro stretch up to Ruby Hall Clinic on August 1, 2023. BJP’s city unit is optimistic about the PM inaugurating the Ramwadi stretch and launching the Katraj stretch.

Regular commuters are eager for the Civil Court to Swargate stretch to open soon. However, officials suggest that completing the works till Swargate before April is unlikely.

Leaders from BJP’s city unit are hopeful that the Prime Minister will visit the city before the LS polls’ announcement. While an official confirmation is pending, a leader mentioned, “The PM is likely to visit the city in February to launch the Metro section and other projects.”

Contrastingly, Congress leaders criticize the BJP for not pushing the Metro and other projects during their majority in the PMC for the past five years. A Congress leader expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “BJP is attempting to gain voters’ attention by inaugurating a Metro stretch ahead of polls. But people are unhappy as the project has not been completed even after eight years.”

Additionally, the new terminal building of the Pune airport is ready for inauguration.