Pune Metro reflects shaping of modern cities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for Pune Metro projects worth around Rs.21,800 crore, saying 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 Prime Minister 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,” PM Modi pointed out at the inauguration done through video conferencing on 3 Nov.
Explaining that the expansion of the Pune Metro reflects how modern cities are being shaped for a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister 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 PM Modi.
Citing the occasion as a prime example of pro-people and proactive governance, the Prime Minister highlighted that over the past 12 years, India’s metro network has expanded to nearly 1,200-km 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-km to 11-km of metro lines were operational in the state, the Prime Minister pointed out that nearly 175-km are now in service while construction is underway on over 680-km 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,” he pointed out.
Highlighting another distinctive aspect of the newly inaugurated corridor, the Prime Minister 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 PM Modi.
Stating that every citizen and young son and daughter of India is working to build a Viksit Bharat with the nationwide spirit of ‘We Will Do It’, the Prime Minister noted that over the past 12 years the nation focused its energy on building rural roads, highways, expressways, new and electrified rail lines, long tunnels, and high bridges. “Now in the coming years along with this, the country is going to invest its energy in making its cities among the best cities in the world,” he asserted.
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 Prime Minister 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 PM Modi. Fiinews.com
