Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for Pune Metro projects worth around ₹21,800 crore today through video conferencing. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister extended warm Diwali greetings to the people of Pune and Maharashtra and remarked that festive joy multiplies when new public conveniences are added to daily life. Recalling how he laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Pune Metro ten years ago, he noted that the inauguration of 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 center 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,” noted PM Modi.
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 Shri 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 kilometers 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 to 11 kilometers of metro lines were operational in the state, the Prime Minister pointed out that nearly 175 kilometers are now in service while construction is underway on over 680 kilometers with an investment exceeding 2.5 lakh crore rupees. “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,” observed Shri Modi.
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,” asserted Shri Modi.
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.
Pointing out two major achievements driving global discussion about India, the Prime Minister noted that the nation has maintained the world’s fastest growth rate amid difficult international conditions while lifting 50 crore citizens out of extreme poverty within just 10 to 12 years according to the latest World Bank report, moving beyond decades of mere slogans for generations. “Earlier, the fight against poverty was only in slogans, today India is defeating poverty on the ground,” asserted Shri Modi.
Observing that India’s twin milestones as the fastest-growing economy and the fastest poverty reducer are interlinked, the Prime Minister explained that a growing economy and expanding budget enable higher public investment, while money once lost to scams and leakages now reaches beneficiaries directly. He added that treasury investments in roads, rail, airports, metros, electricity, water, and gas pipelines simultaneously improve living standards and generate employment. “Both these accomplishments are connected to each other,” noted PM Modi.
Highlighting the impact of welfare deliveries such as houses for the poor, toilets, Har Ghar Jal tap water connections, and cooking gas connections, the Prime Minister stated that these essential amenities have boosted public self-confidence and saved valuable daily time. “And this time is being utilized in earning extra income for their families,” observed Shri Modi.
Recalling his completion of 25 years as head of a government last month guided by the mantra that empowering the poor gives them the courage to overcome poverty, the Prime Minister reflected on initiating Garib Kalyan Melas as Chief Minister of Gujarat to focus on scheme delivery and invite beneficiaries onto the stage to take a pledge against poverty. “They used to take a resolution to defeat poverty and return from the event carrying self-confidence,” remarked PM Modi.
Stating that the mission initiated back then has continued uninterrupted as true good governance defined by the ‘Power to Empower’, the Prime Minister emphasized that this transformation is the result of years of deliberate and planned efforts rather than a sudden occurrence. “Therefore, 50 crore Indians have defeated poverty,” noted Shri Modi.
Explaining that poverty reduction benefits the wider nation beyond the families escaping deprivation, the Prime Minister pointed out that it revitalizes the national economy and creates a new middle class whose purchasing power drives market demand and opens new possibilities from shops to factories. “Meaning, decreasing poverty in India is taking the economy of India to a new height,” observed PM Modi.
Underscoring the vital role of farmers in the Viksit Bharat journey and the government’s continuous efforts to empower them, the Prime Minister acknowledged the severe hardships currently faced by farming families in Maharashtra due to adverse weather and natural calamity despite extensive water conservation work under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in recent years. Expressing full sensitivity and solidarity on behalf of the government while noting his awareness of the drought, the provision of advance assistance by the state government, and the transfer of PM Kisan funds, he reassured the state’s cultivators. “Do not worry at all, we are all with the farmers,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Reminding citizens during this festive season of their social responsibility to remember drought-affected citizens, farming families, and others in distress so that the joy of Diwali remains in their homes as well, the Prime Minister urged the nation to stand united in overcoming the calamity. “Only together will we face this calamity,” asserted PM Modi.
Concluding his address with best wishes for the metro projects, the Prime Minister emphasized that collective and united effort, Sabka Prayas, serves as the lifeblood of a Viksit Bharat. “With this very spirit, we have to remain engaged in the development of the country,” affirmed Shri Modi.
