GG News Bureau
Pune, 13th Jan. As Pune is an important city of Maharashtra, there is an all-out effort to provide civil aviation facilities to Pune, stated Union minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia at a press conference in Pune on Friday.
Scindia visited and reviewed the newly constructed terminal of Pune airport at Lohegaon in Pune today.
The Union Civil Aviation Minister asserted that the Central Government is focussed on development and progress of entire Maharashtra.
In an interactive session with mediapersons, Scindia stated, Pune is an important city, having historical importance and a great cultural heritage. It was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and also the Peshwa Empire. He said that development of this city and its progress in civil aviation has been initiated by the resolve and mandate of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who wants to create a culture of development and progress.
Union Civil Aviation Minister further said, Pune has great potential. Pune is the national center of information and technology, education and manufacturing. He said that the Prime Minister as well as the Maharashtra Chief Minister and both the Deputy Chief Ministers share the same vision of making Pune stand at the forefront of civil aviation. As a result of which the new terminal of the airport is coming up, he added.
The Union Civil Aviation Minister said, an airport is not a simple glass and cement structure, rather it is the first gateway for a traveler to a new city. Hence, the inside and outside of an airport must reflect the history and culture of the city, region and state. He further said, our country has a diverse and exotic culture and this should be exhibited at the country’s airports.
Pune airport also has a structure on the outside on the lines of Pune’s historical landmark Shaniwarwada. An equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Hind Swarajya, which is installed at the airport will be an inspiration to all, stated the Union Minister. The picture of the diversity of Maharashtra will also be seen on the walls in the airport, he said. “This airport is the living soul of Maharashtra”, he stated.
Pune airport is built in an area of 52 thousand square meters. In 2014, Pune airport was connected with 17 cities of the country, while in the last 9 years it has been connected with 37 cities. Along with this, international direct flights to Singapore and Dubai are also running from Pune, informed the Union Civil Aviation Minister.
