POWERING AHEAD

Taking a deep dive into the evolution and expansion of Pune

- ANITHYA BALACHANDRAN

Bound in quintessential Maharashtrian culture and traditions whilst evolving with the rapid expansion, the modern industrial metropolis of Pune is a great example of how modernity can co-exist with tradition. The second-largest city in the state of Maharashtra, once known as a 'pensioner's paradise' for its laid-back lifestyle, Pune is expanding and evolving to be a hub for many automobile, IT and software industries. Bordered by the green ranges of the Sahyadri hills, and popularly known as the Queen of the Deccan' because of its historical, social, cultural and political importance, it is currently the seventh richest city in India with a GDP of $69 billion and is one of the fastest developing cities in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also among the greenest urban areas in the country with more than 40 per cent of its area covered by greenery. Culturally rich, the city is loved for the intersection it creates between the past and the present.

AVIATION SITUATION

At present the city only has one airport which is the Pune International Airport, which is located approximately 10 km northeast from the centre. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, especially to West Asia. In the financial year of 2020, the airport handled 8.09 million passengers. The airport only operates two-four international flights as it is also an Air Force base and is allowed restricted traffic. It has a single civil terminal that operates both international as well as domestic traffic. The good news is that a new terminal is currently under construction.