Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated Pune Metro Line 3 and said India had become the world’s fastest-growing major economy while making significant progress in poverty reduction.
Addressing the event virtually, PM Modi said the government had reduced financial leakages and ensured that funds reached beneficiaries directly.
He added that public money was now supporting infrastructure development, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the economy.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the 23.2-km elevated Pune Metro Line 3, also known as the Pink Line, connecting Maan-Hinjewadi’s IT hub with Shivajinagar.
Built under a PPP model at a cost of over ₹8,300 crore, the corridor aims to cut travel time and ease congestion. Women operate its trains, while solar energy meets around 30 per cent of its power needs.
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for Phase II projects worth ₹13,500 crore, which will connect areas including Kharadi, Wagholi, Hadapsar, Swargate and Khadakwasla.
Recalling the foundation stone ceremony for Pune Metro’s first phase a decade ago, PM Modi said the new corridors would connect established areas with emerging growth centres.
He said expanding metro networks would improve urban mobility, reduce emissions and strengthen links with bus and railway stations.
PM Modi also highlighted Pune’s industrial and IT sectors, saying better transport would boost the city’s growth and quality of life.
Citing a World Bank report, he said India had lifted 50 crore people out of extreme poverty. He added that the metro network had grown from five cities in 2014 to 26, with nearly 1,200 km operational.
He also highlighted the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund for smaller cities and assured Maharashtra of the Centre’s support amid drought concerns.
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