The much-awaited inauguration of the Pune Metro’s Ruby Hall to Ramwadi stretch is on the horizon, with officials announcing plans to open the 5.5 km line next week. The inauguration, initially scheduled for February 19, faced delays but is now anticipated to align with the impending election code of conduct.
A week ago, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety granted conditional permission for passenger services on the Ruby Hall to Ramwadi stretch, marking the completion of construction. Pune Metro had originally planned for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the stretch, but the ceremony was postponed. Now, preparations are underway for a virtual inauguration by the Prime Minister, expected to take place next week.
Despite the initial plan for a soft opening and a formal dedication ceremony later, delays led to the decision to conduct the inauguration virtually. The 5.5 km stretch from Ruby Hall to Ramwadi is a crucial addition to the 9.7 km route from Vanaz to Ruby Hall, expanding the metro service that commenced on August 1 of the previous year.
The route, comprising stations such as Bund Garden, Yerawada, Kalyani Nagar, and Ramwadi, has undergone successful trial runs, and the upcoming inauguration marks the final step before the commencement of passenger operations. However, it’s noteworthy that Yerawada station will not be a stop initially due to ongoing construction work, with completion expected in approximately a month.
The decision to delay the opening of Yerawada station was made in response to community complaints about the impact on traffic caused by construction activities. The second entry-exit point at Yerawada station is currently under construction and is set to be operational after its completion.
As Pune Metro gears up for the virtual inauguration, commuters eagerly anticipate the swift commencement of operations on the Ruby Hall to Ramwadi stretch, enhancing connectivity across key locations in Pune.
