Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Pune Metro Railway, various other projects

On Mar 6, 2022

PM Modi Visit To Pune | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Pune Metro Railway, various other projects — File Photo

Pune : Policenama online – PM Modi Visit To Pune | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Pune Metro Railway and various other projects. Speaking on the occasion at the MIT College grounds in Kothrud, he said, “The country is celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav (the 75th anniversary) of its Independence. Pune has played a historic role in the freedom struggle. Lokmanya Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Babasaheb Purandare are remembered with reverence. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is close to our heart. I unveiled Shiv Chhatrapati’s statue on the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) premises. The statue will instill patriotism in the minds of the future generations. I feel fortunate that I was present for the bhoomi-pujan (ground-breaking) ceremony. Today, I inaugurated the project. Earlier, bhoomi-pujan used to happen but there was no guarantee of completion of any project. Projects are being completed speedily today. The gallery of cartoons by great cartoonist RK Laxman has been set up. Usha Narayan and her family made lots of efforts for this.”

“Pune is known for its cultural, spiritual and patriotic contribution. It is an IT hub. Development is needed at this place. Our government is committed to fast implementation of development projects in Pune. The Pune Metro Railway will provide an efficient public transport system to its citizens. The metro railway work continued even during the pandemic. This project will stop around 25,000 tonnes of carbon emission,” said Modi.

Metro railway is the only alternative

PM Modi said, “Urbanisation is spreading fast in the country. The urban population will reach up to 60 crores by 2030. Many opportunities will be created. However, it will also pose many problems. How many flyovers can be built? How many roads can be widened? There are limitations to this. The only alternative to this is mass transport such as metro railways.”

Every city should have green transport

The metro railway network is being established speedily in Maharashtra. I appeal to even the VVIPs that they should use this metro railway service. Every section of society should use it. Our government is committed to set up green transport and smart conveniences in every city. Every city should become energy efficient. We are implementing the Amrit Yojana, under which safe drinking water and drainage pipeline projects will be executed. We have provided security to the middle class by introducing the RERA Act. We are holding competitions to make our cities clean.”

There should be annual river festival

“Pune is quick to adapt to green energy sources. Use of ethanol is increasing. The central government is providing help to free cities, towns and villages from pollution and floods. Citizens of Pune should hold a river festival at least once a year to underline its importance. We are launching an independent mission to expedite projects,” said Modi.

The prime minister praised Marathi writers, artists and creative people from Pune.

PM Narendra Modi unveiled the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue. He inaugurated the Pune Metro Railway. He performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the riverfront development and river rejuvenation projects. He also dedicated an e-depot and 140 e-buses to the nation. He inaugurated the RK Laxman Gallery.

Ajit Pawar thanked the prime minister

DCM Ajit Pawar said, “Projects are being implemented that citizens have desired for many years. They have been inaugurated. I thank the prime minister for attending this function. This is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rajmata Jijau started re-development of Pune. That work is still being done. The metro railway plan was approved in 2010. The work was delayed due to a debate whether it should be underground or elevated. However, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari issued strict orders to complete the project. The DPR for the metro railway routes from Pimpri Chinchwad to Nigdi, from Swargate to Katraj, from Ramwadi to Wagholi, from Kharadi to Swargate is underway. These routes should be approved and funds should be provided.”

Zero tolerance for uncalled-for remarks

River rejuvenation and beautification work’s bhoomi-pujan has been done. We will take care and see to it that the riverbed is not damaged. Floods are controlled. We have adopted the policy of using e-vehicles to curb pollution. Some VVIPs are attacking the idols of Maharashtra. This will not be tolerated. We will promote the teachings of these idols. Maharashtra has been moulded by Rajmata Jijau, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. No uncalled-for remarks will be tolerated against them. We do not mix up politics with development.” It was a veiled warning to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari who recently caused a flutter by making some remarks against Chhatrapati Shivaji and Mahatma Jotiba Phule.

Devendra Fadnavis puts forth his demand

Devendra Fadnavis said, “Pune’s dream has come true today. The Metro Railway started its maiden run today. The prime minister purchased the first ticket and travelled by the metro railway. MahaMetro completed the work in a record time. The Centre has provided funds for the riverfront development and river rejuvenation projects. Not a single drop of sewage water will be released in the river in the future. The entire bus fleet of PMPML will be pollution free. All these projects could be implemented due to the strong support of the central government. You have given a lot to Pune and Maharashtra. Approval should also be given to the Nashik Neo Metro and Nagpur Metro’s second phase.”

Mayor Mohol said he has feeling of accomplishment

Giving the introductory speech, Mayor Muralidhar Mohol said, “It is a moment of joy for every Puneite. The person who performed the project’s bhoomi-pujan is now inaugurating it. It is a moment of joy as not just a promise was made but it was fulfilled. It is a feeling of accomplishment. Leaders and officials will follow Chhatrapati Shivaji’s ideal of good governance. The river rejuvenation and beautification project has been taken up on the lines of Namami Gange project. The first e-bus depot has been set up in Pune.”

Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, DCM Ajit Pawar, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, State Ministers Subhas Desai and Eknath Shinde, Opposition Leader in the State Assembly Devendra Fadnavis, BJP state chief Chandrakant Patil, MLA Madhuri Misal, MLA Sunil Kamble, BJP city unit chief Jagdish Mulik, Mayor Muralidhar Mohol, Standing Committee chief Hemant Rasane, Leader of House Ganesh Bidkar, BJP leader Rajesh Pandey and other BJP MLAs and party office-bearers were present.