Pune: PM Modi Inaugurates Underground Metro Line from District Court to Swargate, Lays Foundation for Extension to Katraj
Pune, September 29, 2024: In a major development towards enhancing urban connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the underground metro line from District Court Metro Station to Swargate as part of the Pune Metro project. This inauguration marks a significant step in reducing congestion and improving sustainable transport in Pune.
आज, रविवार, दिनांक 29 सप्टेंबर 2024 रोजी मा. पंतप्रधान श्री नरेंद्र मोदी यांच्या हस्ते जिल्हा न्यायालय ते स्वारगेट भूमिगत मेट्रो मार्गाचे उद्घाटन व स्वारगेट ते कात्रज (टप्पा-1) विस्ताराच्या भूमिपूजनाचा कार्यक्रम संपन्न झाला.
— Pune Metro Rail (@metrorailpune) September 29, 2024
Today, on Sunday 29th September 2024, Hon'ble PM Shri… pic.twitter.com/fJy6z1e2zo
The newly opened metro service between District Court and Swargate began operations for commuters today at 4 PM. Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the extension of the underground metro line from Swargate to Katraj (Phase-1), signaling the next phase of Pune’s expanding metro network.
What PM Modi Said:
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi expressed his vision for enhanced connectivity in Pune. He announced, “The District Court to Swargate metro route has now been inaugurated, and metro services will begin on this route. The foundation stone for the Swargate to Katraj extension has also been laid today.” PM Modi also highlighted the significance of the new Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial, the foundation of which was laid on the same day.
₹30 Travel from Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate
Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune can now travel seamlessly and affordably between these areas with the newly operational metro service. The much-anticipated metro line connecting Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate offers a one-way fare of ₹30, providing quick and convenient transit across the city. Other fare rates include ₹25 from Vanaz to Swargate and ₹35 from Ramwadi to Swargate.
Click here to view detailed fare chart for Pune Metro
With the metro running every seven minutes during peak hours and every ten minutes during non-peak periods, passengers can enjoy frequent service without long wait times. This new route is expected to significantly reduce travel time and provide relief from the traffic bottlenecks that commuters regularly face, especially during the festive season.
Metro Extension to Katraj
The foundation stone for the Swargate to Katraj extension marks an important milestone in Phase-1 of Pune Metro’s development. This extended route will further enhance the city’s connectivity and help address the growing needs of Pune’s rapidly expanding population.
At the inauguration event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde lauded the project as part of Pune’s broader efforts to become congestion-free, emphasizing the importance of sustainable transport in the city’s future development. He also said that various development projects worth ₹22,000 crores, initially scheduled for inauguration on Thursday, were postponed due to rain concerns, reflecting the Prime Minister’s consideration for the public’s convenience.
Following the inauguration, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, along with other officials, took a ride on the newly inaugurated metro line, celebrating this new chapter in Pune’s urban transport.
Better Connectivity, Less Traffic
The launch of the underground metro is expected to ease congestion in key areas of Pune, such as Mandai and other central business districts. By providing a faster, reliable alternative to road travel, it also aims to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, contributing to a more environmentally friendly commute for residents.
For commuters from Pimpri-Chinchwad, the new metro service offers an affordable, hassle-free alternative to buses and private vehicles, both of which are often delayed by the heavy traffic in Pune’s city center. This new route promises to transform daily travel for thousands, making it quicker, more comfortable, and cost-effective.
