The first day of the Civil Court to Swargate’s 3.5km underground Metro stretch received an enthusiastic response from commuters.
After the opening of this stretch, the originally declared Pune Metro Rail Project (Phase-1) — Vanaz to Ramwadi and PCMC to Swargate — marked its completion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the underground Metro stretch, which included Kasba Peth, Mandai and Swargate stations, via a video link on Sunday.
Visitors at the Metro station on the first day included people from all age groups. Commuters expressed their happiness at the start of the facility and said the route would be effective in decongesting traffic in the core city.”It is a much-needed facility. The quality of the work at the facility appears to be of a high standard. It resembles Metro stations in Europe,” said Bhushan Kolapkar, a resident of Sus, who visited the station with his friends.
The group had organised a get-together which included a visit to the newly opened Metro stations.
Citizens also said the extension of Metro services will reduce pressure on roads in several areas and better connect Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
“There were talks about such transport facilities, but now it has become a reality. Travelling long distances will be possible without the hassle of traffic,” said Vikas Shinde from Alandi.
“We have to attend a family function in Bopodi. So, instead of taking a private taxi to travel, we now prefer the Metro,” said Kshitija Nagpure, a resident of the Sahakarnagar area.
Vidya Gore, a senior citizen who was travelling to attend the same function, said facilities like elevators helped the elderly to commute hassle-free. “A respite from traffic is much needed, especially for senior citizens. Metro has become an easy and safe option for us,” she said.
According to Metro staffers, the Swargate and Civil Court stations are huge and many commuters were confused while using them due to their sheer size.”The Metro authority had designated manpower to guide commuters. They were stationed at all important spots in the stations. The commuters took their help to ease their journey and find the right platforms, routes, and trains,” said D B Mane, a consultant at Maha Metro.
