Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the government is proactively working on enhancing mass transport systems at a rapid scale to match the fast paced of India’s urbanisation.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Pune Metro, he pointed out that Metro rail services which had been confined to Delhi NCR and a few cities until 2014 has now expanded to over two dozen cities across the country.
"It is estimated that the urban population will be more than 60 crores by 2030. The increasing urban population brings several opportunities and challenges. Flyovers in cities can be constructed up to certain limits only. In such a situation, the only option is to increase the mass transportation infrastructure in the country. Our government is focusing on means of mass transportation, especially the metro connectivity," said PM Modi.
The commencement of the Pune Metro, he said will increase the mobility of people and eliminate the stress of traffic jams and pollution. It will also reduce carbon emissions, he added.
The Prime Minister today threw open for public use the Rs 11,400 crore Pune Metro Rail Project which will give the city residents world-class infrastructure for their daily commute.
PM Modi also travelled on the Pune Metro from Garware station to Anand Nagar station by purchasing a ticket. He interacted with school students on board the train, according to a PMO statement.
The Pune Metro Rail Project project is being built at a total cost of more than Rs 11,400 crore. The foundation stone of the project had been laid by the Prime Minister on December 24, 2016. He will inaugurate a 12 km stretch of the total 32.2 km of the project today.
The Prime Minister also unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the premises of Pune Municipal Corporation. The statue is made up of 1,850 kg gunmetal and is about 9.5 feet tall.
During his visit to the city, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects.
He also inaugurated and inspected the Exhibition at Garware Metro Station and will undertake a metro ride from there to Anandnagar Metro Station.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of rejuvenation and pollution abatement of the Mula-Mutha River projects. Rejuvenation will be done in a 9 km stretch of the river at a project cost of more than Rs 1,080 crores. It will involve works such as river edge protection, interceptor sewage network, public amenities, boating activity etc.
Mula-Mutha River pollution abatement project will be implemented on the concept of "One City One Operator" at a cost of over Rs 1,470 crore. A total of 11 sewage treatment plants will be constructed under the project, with a combined capacity of around 400 MLD.
Besides, he inaugurated the R K Laxman Art Gallery-Museum constructed at Balewadi, Pune. The main attraction of the Museum is a miniature model based on the village of Malgudi which will be made alive through the audio-visual effects. Cartoons drawn by cartoonist R K Laxman will be showcased in the Museum.
He also flagged off the Golden Jubilee celebration of Symbiosis University.
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