PM Modi Inaugurates Pune Metro and Solapur Airport, Lays Foundation for Additional Development Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several key projects in Maharashtra on Sunday via video conferencing, including the first phase of the Pune Metro and the upgraded Solapur Airport, while also laying the foundation for additional ventures. These initiatives, worth over ₹11,200 crore, were originally scheduled for unveiling on September 26 but were postponed due to heavy rains in the region.

In his address, PM Modi highlighted that these projects would significantly enhance urban development and improve the "Ease of Living" for residents. He inaugurated the Pune Metro's section from the District Court to Swargate, marking the completion of Phase-1 of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The underground section of this route cost approximately ₹1,810 crore.

Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for the Swargate-Katraj Extension of Pune Metro Phase-1, which will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹2,955 crore. This southern extension spans around 5.46 km and includes three stations: Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj.

During the event, PM Modi also laid the foundation for a memorial honoring Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule's First Girls' School at Bhidewada in Pune. He remarked on the social conditions prior to India's independence that hindered educational access for girls and emphasized Savitribai Phule's significant role in opening educational opportunities for them.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister inaugurated the revamped Solapur Airport, which aims to enhance connectivity and make the region more accessible to tourists, business travelers, and investors. The upgraded terminal building is designed to accommodate approximately 4.1 lakh passengers annually.

ET