PM Modi to Inaugurate Pune Metro, Supercomputers, Energy Initiatives Worth ₹22,600 Crore on September 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Pune, Maharashtra, on September 26, where he will flag off the District Court to Swargate Metro line at 6 PM. The inauguration of this Pune Metro section marks the completion of Phase-1 of the project, with the underground segment between District Court and Swargate costing ₹1,810 crore.
At 6:30 PM, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for several major projects, including the Swargate-Katraj extension of Pune Metro Phase-1. This extension, valued at ₹2,950 crore, will be fully underground, covering 5.46 km with stations at Market Yard, Padmavati, and Katraj.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit:
- Memorial for Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule’s First Girls’ School: PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a memorial dedicated to Savitribai Phule’s pioneering work in education.
- Launch of PARAM Rudra Supercomputers: Three indigenously developed supercomputers worth ₹130 crore under the National Supercomputing Mission will be dedicated to the nation. These supercomputers, deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, will enhance research in fields like astronomy, physics, and cosmology.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) System for Weather Research: PM Modi will inaugurate a ₹850 crore HPC system designed for weather and climate research. Deployed at IITM Pune and NCMRWF Noida, the HPC system, named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, will significantly improve predictions for tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, and other weather events.
Energy and Transportation Initiatives: PM Modi will launch several projects under the petroleum and natural gas sector worth ₹10,400 crore, focusing on energy infrastructure, sustainability, and convenience for truck and cab drivers:
- Way Side Amenities for Drivers: New amenities will be developed at over 1,000 retail outlets across key highways to offer facilities like affordable lodging, clean toilets, parking spaces, and WiFi, at a cost of ₹2,170 crore.
- Energy Stations: Nearly 4,000 Energy Stations will be built along major highways, offering multiple fuel options including CNG, EV, and Ethanol blended petrol, at a total cost of ₹6,000 crore.
- EV Charging Facilities: PM Modi will dedicate 500 EV charging stations, with a target of developing 10,000 by FY 2025 at a cost of ₹1,500 crore.
- LNG and E20 Stations: 20 LNG stations, including 3 in Maharashtra, will be inaugurated, and 50 more will be built nationwide. Additionally, 1,500 E20 petrol retail outlets worth ₹225 crore will be launched.
Connectivity Boost with Solapur Airport: PM Modi will also inaugurate the revamped Solapur Airport, which will accommodate 4.1 lakh passengers annually, boosting connectivity for tourists and business travelers.
Bidkin Industrial Area Development: Another key project is the dedication of the Bidkin Industrial Area, covering 7,855 acres and developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. This project, approved at a cost of ₹6,400 crore, holds potential as a significant economic hub for Maharashtra’s Marathwada region.
