PM Modi Pune Metro Projects : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for metro projects in Pune, presenting his government's vision for development, poverty alleviation and improved urban facilities. During the event, he claimed that 50 crore people in the country had moved out of poverty. Targeting previous governments, he said that earlier, poverty eradication was limited to slogans and government funds were lost to nepotism. The Prime Minister also announced metro projects worth around Rs 21,800 crore for Pune.

PM Makes Claim About Fight Against Poverty
Prime Minister Modi said that several generations in the country had grown up hearing slogans and promises about eradicating poverty. Earlier, the fight against poverty remained limited to slogans, but India is now defeating poverty on the ground, he said. He claimed that 50 crore people had crossed the poverty line in recent years. The Prime Minister added that India is among the world's fastest-growing economies and is also making rapid progress in reducing poverty.

Pune Gets Metro Projects Worth Rs 21,800 Crore
The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for metro projects worth approximately Rs 21,800 crore in Pune. These include the 23-kilometre Pink Line, built at a cost of more than Rs 8,300 crore. The line will run from Maan to the District Court and connect the Hinjewadi IT hub with Shivajinagar. It is expected to provide relief to thousands of employees working in the IT sector, as well as other commuters. Women train operators will operate this line, and around 30 per cent of its electricity requirements are planned to be met through solar energy.

Four New Corridors To Improve Connectivity
Under the second phase of Pune Metro, four new corridors will be developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 13,500 crore. These include Lines 2A, 2B, 4 and 4A. The corridors will connect Vanaz to Chandani Chowk, Ramwadi to Vitthalwadi, Kharadi to Khadakwasla, and Nal Stop to Manik Baug. Once operational, they are expected to make travel easier across several areas, including Kharadi, Magarpatta, Hadapsar, Swargate, Pune Cantonment and Warje.

Metro Network Expands Significantly In 12 Years
PM Modi said that until 2014, metro services were available in only five cities across the country, with a total network length of approximately 248 kilometres. The network has now expanded to around 1,400 kilometres, with metro services reaching 26 cities. He said that more than one crore passengers travel by metro every day. According to the Prime Minister, India's metro network is now among the world's three largest metro networks.

Plans To Turn Smaller Cities Into Economic Hubs
The Prime Minister said that a city's identity depends on its competitiveness and the quality of life it offers residents. Projects such as metro services strengthen both aspects and improve people's quality of life. He also spoke about developing smaller cities as major centres of growth. For this purpose, the government has approved the Urban Challenge Fund, under which the Centre is providing assistance of Rs 1 lakh crore. The Prime Minister urged local bodies and the private sector to participate in this initiative.