MUMBAI/THANE/WASHIM: Terming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as ‘Maha Vikas Virodhi’, PM Modi accused it of stalling development works in Mumbai and Maharashtra and called the underground Mumbai Metro 3 corridor, whose first phase he inaugurated on Saturday evening, the biggest testimony to its obstructive approach which led to significant delays and cost overruns.
Addressing a rally in Thane, with CM Eknath Shinde and the two deputy CMs, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, on the dais, Modi said, “Metro line 3 began under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership as CM, and 60% of work was completed during his tenure.However, when MVA came to power, they stopped the project out of arrogance, which led to a cost overrun of Rs 14,000 crore. Whose money is that? Is it their money? No, it is the hard-earned money of Maharashtra’s taxpayers.”
After inaugurating the first phase of the Metro 3 project in Thane, where he addressed a rally and spoke about the project, Modi travelled to the Bandra Kurla Complex, where he took a ride on the new Metro line from BKC to Santacruz station and back. Modi also launched the Metroconnect3 app at the function in Thane.
The Metro 3 line will officially open to the public on Monday, Oct 7, at 11 am, and from Tuesday, it will operate between 6.30 am and 10.30 pm on weekdays and from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm on holidays.
During his journey on the Metro 3 line, Modi interacted with Ladki Bahin scheme beneficiaries, students and labourers aboard the train.
‘Metro a symbol of India-Japan friendship’
At the inauguration in Thane earlier, the Prime Minister said, “The people of Mumbai have been eagerly awaiting this line. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Japanese govt. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been a great support to this project, making the Metro a symbol of India-Japan friendship.”
Criticizing the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi govt’s inaction on Mumbai’s infrastructure issues, Modi said, “Our govt has made efforts to change this. Today, a Metro network of nearly 300 kilo meters is under development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.”
Listing key infrastructure projects planned for Mumbai, Modi said, “Projects like the Versova-Bandra sea link, the Eastern Freeway, the Thane-Borivli tunnel and the Thane Circular Metro Rail are transforming these cities.”
In emphasising the govt’s efforts to modernise Mumbai and its surrounding areas, Modi also mentioned the coastal road and Atal Setu and noted such projects would not only improve connectivity but also create jobs and foster industrial growth.
