The underground rail service of Pune Metro, connecting Civil Court to Swargate, is anticipated to commence operations in September. Hemant Sonawane, executive director of Pune Metro, confirmed that successful trial runs have been conducted on the two lines of the underground rail service. The railway safety team is scheduled to visit in August after the completion of all work to provide final approval for operations to begin. Initially targeted for launch by March 31, the start date was postponed due to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Once operational, this segment will mark the completion of Phase 1 of the Pune Metro project, spanning from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate, with the Vanaz to Ramwadi route already fully operational. The PCMC to Civil Court section is operational except for the underground stretch. Sonawane also mentioned that Pune Metro has begun extending the route from PCMC to Nigdi as part of Phase I, while a decision from the Centre regarding the extension of the Swargate to Katraj route is pending. Furthermore, Phase II proposals have been submitted to the Maharashtra government for approval, following which they will be forwarded to the Centre. (Source: Financial Express)