Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the metro expansion would strengthen urban connectivity and support Pune’s development as a hub for IT, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, startups and manufacturing. He noted that improved public transport would reduce commuting time, enhance ease of living and support economic productivity.
The newly inaugurated corridor has been developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, bringing together government and private sector participation. Modi highlighted the project as an example of a collaborative approach to infrastructure development.
He also highlighted the expansion of metro networks across the country. According to the Prime Minister, India’s metro network has grown to nearly 1,200 km across 26 cities over the past 12 years, serving more than one crore daily commuters. In Maharashtra, the operational metro network has expanded from around 10–11 km in 2014 to nearly 175 km, with more than 680 km under construction.
The Prime Minister also referred to the Urban Challenge Fund, approved in February 2026, with Rs 1 lakh crore in Central assistance to mobilise additional investment in urban infrastructure. He said the initiative aims to strengthen cities as centres of economic activity and encourage local bodies and private sector participation.
Modi further emphasised the role of infrastructure investment in supporting economic growth, generating employment and improving living standards. He urged citizens to work collectively towards developing Indian cities and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.
