PM Modi’s Baramati Visit Postponed, Pune Metro Launch Also Uncertain

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Baramati in Maharashtra on November 3 has been postponed, leaving the inauguration of a memorial at Vidya Pratishthan and the proposed launch of Pune Metro Line 3 uncertain. November 16 is being considered as a possible alternative date, but no official confirmation has been issued regarding the revised itinerary.

Yugendra Pawar, a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan and grandnephew of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, confirmed the postponement on October 22. Modi was scheduled to inaugurate Prerna Sthal, featuring a nine-foot-tall, four-tonne statue of Gautam Buddha and exhibits dedicated to prominent historical and social figures. The memorial, located at Nakshatra Garden on the educational institution’s campus, was also expected to showcase personalities including Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Yashwantrao Chavan.

Sharad Pawar had announced the proposed visit on October 3, stating that the Prime Minister’s Office had confirmed the November 3 schedule after accepting his invitation. The programme was expected to include student interaction and visits to initiatives associated with artificial intelligence and startups. Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were among the expected dignitaries.

The reason for the postponement remains undisclosed. Speculation has linked the change to a possible special Parliament session concerning women’s reservation and delimitation. However, no verified evidence establishes a connection between the legislative discussions and Modi’s revised schedule.

The proposed visit also affects plans for the inauguration of Pune Metro Line 3, the 23-km Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar corridor being developed by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Initially targeted for completion in March 2025, the project has faced construction delays and pending safety clearances.

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety granted provisional authorisation in July for passenger operations on the initial 12-station, approximately 13-km section. PMRDA subsequently proposed opening 17 of the corridor’s 23 stations, subject to additional clearances. The Maharashtra Legislative Council election code of conduct had also complicated the inauguration schedule.

While November 16 remains a tentative date, the Prime Minister’s Office has yet to confirm the revised itinerary. Whether the memorial inauguration and metro launch will take place together remains uncertain.