PM Modi Virtually Inaugurates Development Projects Worth ₹11,200 Crore in Maharashtra

As the Assembly election approaches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 29, 2024, virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects worth ₹11,200 crore in Maharashtra. This event comes after his scheduled visit to Pune on September 26 was cancelled due to heavy rain in the city.

Pune Metro Expansion

Completion of Phase-1

Mr. Modi inaugurated Pune Metro’s new underground section from District Court to Swargate, marking the completion of Phase-1 of the Pune Metro Rail Project. This underground stretch, built at a cost of ₹1,810 crore, signifies a major milestone in the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Swargate-Katraj Extension

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Swargate-Katraj Extension of the Pune Metro Phase-1. Key details of this extension include:

• Length: 5.46 km (entirely underground)
• New stations: Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj
• Estimated cost: ₹2,955 crore

Solapur Airport Inauguration

Another significant development was the inauguration of the Solapur Airport, which has been revamped to accommodate approximately 4.1 lakh passengers annually. This project aims to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region.

Political Context

It’s worth noting that NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule recently criticized the Prime Minister for allegedly inaugurating the ‘same’ project multiple times.

Cultural and Educational Initiatives

Savitribai Phule Memorial

Mr. Modi laid the foundation stone for the Memorial to Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule’s First Girls’ School, located at Bhidewada, Pune. This project commemorates the legacy of India’s first female teacher and her contributions to women’s education.

Industrial Development

Bidkin Industrial Area

The Prime Minister dedicated the Bidkin Industrial Area to the nation, a transformative project under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. Key features include:

• Location: 20 km south of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra
• Area covered: 7,855 acres
• Part of: Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor
• Project cost: Over ₹6,400 crore (to be developed in three phases)
• Significance: Potential to become a vibrant economic hub in the Marathwada region

Prime Minister’s Address

Speaking virtually from New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted several key points:

Technology and Development

• Credited technology for enabling the virtual event after the cancellation of his Pune visit
• Emphasized the start of a “new chapter of Maharashtra’s development”

Focus on Pune’s Progress

• Stressed the need for big goals and new resolutions for Maharashtra
• Highlighted the importance of making cities like Pune centers of progress and urban development
• Addressed the challenges of Pune’s growing population and the need for augmented development and capacity

Metro Project Timeline

• Recalled that discussions about Pune Metro began in 2008
• Foundation stone laid in 2016 under his government
• Praised the faster decision-making and obstacle removal that led to the project’s current progress

Criticism of Previous Governments

• Contrasted the current government’s achievements with previous administrations
• Claimed that the previous government “could barely construct a single Metro pillar in 8 years”

Vision for Maharashtra

• Underscored the importance of development-driven governance in ensuring Maharashtra’s progress
• Highlighted various stalled projects that were revived under the “double-engine government”
• Reaffirmed Maharashtra’s pivotal role in guiding national development