Infrastructure projects are getting completed on time during BJP rule, says Modi

The PM says that earlier foundation stones used to be laid for infrastructure projects, but no one knew when they would be inaugurated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the unveiling ceremony of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in Pune. (PTI)

Stating that slow implementation made infrastructure projects outdated by the time of their completion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the construction of Pune Metro had proved that projects could be completed on time and that the BJP-led central government was committed to completing development work on time.

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“I had laid the foundation stone for Pune Metro, and am now inaugurating the mega infrastructure project. Earlier, foundation stones used to be laid for infrastructure projects but no one knew when they would get inaugurated,” Modi said in Pune.

The prime minister inaugurated a 12-km stretch of the railway system and the RK Laxman Art Gallery as well as laid foundation stones for a riverfront development project and a Rs 1,100-crore project for the Mula Mutha river. An e-bus depot of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd in suburban Baner and e-buses funded by the Union government were also inaugurated.

“The event is important also because it proves that the development works can be completed on time,” Modi said while congratulating the mayors of the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations.

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He said speed and scale were important for development but for decades there had been a lacklustre approach, which affected the country’s growth. “We need to focus on speed as well as scale. Thus we have prepared the PM Gati Shakti national plan to resolve issues that delay projects. The lack of coordination in various departments delays infrastructure projects. By the time projects get completed, they become outdated,” Modi said, adding that integrated focus would reduce people’s problems and save the nation’s wealth.

Earlier, Modi travelled in Pune Metro from the Garware College station to the Anandnagar station on Paud Road along with disabled children and students from government schools, with whom he interacted during the trip. He had bought a ticket through online banking for it.

The prime minister praised BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis for starting the Pune Metro project during his tenure as chief minister.

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Considering that urbanisation is rapid in the country, with more than 60 crore of the population expected to be living in cities by 2030, Modi said the only way to address problems of commuting was mass transportation. “Thus the Union government is working on mass transportation with a focus on metro connectivity. There was a metro rail network only in Delhi till 2014, and planning was done in other cities. Today more than two dozen cities have operational metros or will start them soon.”

“On this occasion, I urge citizens of Pune and other cities to use it. You should now make it a habit to travel by Pune Metro. The more you travel by it the more you will help your city.”

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The prime minister also said future cities needed to have green transport options such as electric buses, cars and bikes. There should be smart mobility in cities along with integrated command and control centres. Every city should focus on energy efficiency and have the best of technology to tackle issues like solid waste management and sewage disposal, he added.

“We are also focusing on the cleanliness of cities. Pune is also earning a reputation for green fuel. Ethanol and biofuel are being focused on, and the city has many such facilities coming up that blend biofuel. It is going to benefit sugarcane farmers,” Modi said.

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The river beautification project will help tackle floods and pollution, Modi said, “Rivers will become lively and please citizens. I also urge the citizens to celebrate a river festival every year. The entire city should celebrate the festival to raise awareness and then only will we realize the importance of rivers and every drop of water,” the prime minister said.

The event was also attended by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Union minister Ramadas Athawale, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Industries Minister Subhash Desai, Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis and BJP leader Praveen Darekar. However, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray skipped it citing ill health.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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