Pune: Baner-Balewadi Residents Protest Metro Launch, Demand Opening Of Local Stations

Pune residents voiced their discontent on Tuesday, protesting the launch of the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar Metro Line 3 without the concurrent opening of stations in Baner and Balewadi. They gathered at Habaji Saykar (Ganraj) Chowk, objecting to the decision announced on November 3. The protest coincided with the virtual inauguration of the Metro Line 3 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Mahalunge-Balewadi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the service online, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined the event in person.

A significant portion of Baner and surrounding areas' residents participated in the agitation, loudly criticizing the administration's decision to launch the service at just 17 stations, bypassing those in the Baner-Balewadi stretch. Police presence increased as they maintained order, and several protesters were detained.

Residents expressed their cooperation with the Metro project, contributing land and other resources during its development. However, they felt aggrieved by the exclusion of their area from the initial operational phase. They pointed out that, for the past five years, dust pollution, traffic congestion, and damaged roads had plagued their locality due to Metro construction work.

Yet, they were now being denied the direct benefits of the Metro service. The protesters questioned why stations in Baner and Balewadi were not opening simultaneously with the Metro service launch. They demanded that authorities prioritize the pending work at these stations and open them for commuters as soon as possible. They stressed that Metro services should not commence until connectivity for Baner and Balewadi, which have suffered from the project's impact for years, is ensured.