Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated a 12 km stretch of the Pune Metro Rail Project, taking a ride of the inaugural run while also interacting with onboard schoolchildren.

The Prime Minister said that 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.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said, "Maharashtra has quite a significant share of this expansion if we look at Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur and Pimpri Chinchwad Pune. This Metro will ease mobility in Pune, give relief from pollution and jams, increase the ease of living of the people of Pune."

It is part of a total 32.2 km Pune Metro rail project. The entire project is being built at a total cost of more than Rs 11,400 crore, stated the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in an official statement.

Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain said that the inauguration of the Pune Metro Rail Project demonstrated France's support for clean mobility in India.

The project was co-funded by France with Euro 180 million to improve the quality of life of Pune's citizens.

"Proud to attend the inauguration of @metrorailpune by PM @Narendra Modi! Co-funded by France to the tune of EUR180 million, this state-of-the-art metro will improve the quality of life of #Pune's citizens and demonstrates France's support for clean mobility in India," tweeted Lenain.

PM Modi also unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the premises of Pune Municipal Corporation. The Statue is made up of 1,850 kg of gunmetal and is about 9.5-feet tall.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Assembly Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis and Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol were also present at the event.

Image courtesy: The New Indian Express