Pune, Mar 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated Pune Metro Rail project and laid foundation stone for and inaugurated multiple developmental projects in city. Besides inauguration of Metro project here, he unveiled a magnificent image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and several other projects. He assured that all development works would be completed in a stipulated time-frame. Speaking on the occasion, he said at the outset that the country was celebrating the 75th year of independence and recalled Pune’s historic contribution to India’s independence, while paying homage to many freedom fighters from Pune. Paying tributes to Rambhau Mhalgi on his death anniversary today, the Prime Minister reminisced that he dedicated his life for the development of Maharashtra. Referring to the inauguration of the Pune Metro project earlier, the Prime Minister said, “It is my good fortune that you had invited me to lay the foundation stone of Pune Metro and now you have given me the opport ty to inaugurate it. It also has the message that plans can be completed on time.” He said, “The Metro line is expanding in Maharashtra. Pune residents got electronic bus, and Metro today. Metro will raise the standard of living of Punekars.” Modi appealed the residents of Pune to make it a habit to travel by Metro. The Prime Minister in his speech publicly appreciated the contribution made by former state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for making the case for Pune Metro. With Pune having strengthened its identity in education, research, IT and business sectors, the people of Pune need such modern services, he said and noted that his government was working towards these goals recognizing the needs of Pune. “You know that our country is undergoing rapid urbanization. By 2030, our population will exceed the urban population of 60 crores. The growing population in cities creates many opport ties. But at the same time, the challenges are increasing,” he said. The Prime Minister said while Metro services were available in very few cities till 2014, today more than two dozen cities are either being benefitted by the metro services or are on the verge of getting it. “Maharashtra has quite a significant share of this expansion if we look at Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune,” he said. “Pune Metro will make mobility in Pune city easier. Pollution and traffic congestion will be reduced. It will make life easier,” he claimed. “Bhumi pujan and inauguration of many projects connected with the development of Pune has taken place today. It is my privilege to have given me the opport ty to do public offering along with bhumi pujan of Pune Metro. Bhumi pujan used to take place before, but we didn’t know when the inauguration will take place … so today’s inauguration is more important. Today it has been proved that all projects can be completed on time,” he said. Before inauguration of Metro project, the Prime Minister said, “Some time ago, I was fortunate enough to dedicate a magnificent image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj… this image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is always in the heart of all of us, will inspire patriotism in the younger generation and in future generations.” Modi also talked about various steps taken by his government for energy efficiency like use of LED bulb, AMRUT mission and RERA laws, saying these measures were bringing new strengths in urban landscape. Talking about PM-Gatishakti, he said, ““In today’s fast growing India, we have to focus on speed and also on scale. That is why our government has prepared PM-Gatishakti National Master Plan.” The Prime Minister also inaugurated and inspected an exhibition at Garware Metro Station and undertook a metro ride from there to Anandnagar Metro Station. He also inaugurated an art gallery dedicated to late cartoonist R K Laxman in Pune. He also launched a Rs 1,100 crore project to rid the Mula-Mutha river in city of pollution. SP SS SY 1758