Pune: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution to rename Pune Airport as "Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport." The move honors the legacy of the 17th-century saint, Sant Tukaram, a pivotal figure in the Bhakti movement.
Pune MP and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, played a key role in advocating for this renaming. After the legislature's approval, Mohol expressed gratitude through social media, thanking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Eknath Shinde for their support.
The airport, presently known as Lohegaon Airport, serves as a significant transit hub for Pune and surrounding areas. The proposal will now proceed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for further implementation.
The renaming is seen as a tribute to Sant Tukaram's teachings and devotional contributions, symbolizing Pune’s cultural and spiritual ethos while aligning with its modern aspirations.
In a parallel development, Pune Airport is enhancing passenger amenities by installing advanced inline baggage screening systems in its new integrated terminal building. These systems, capable of processing 1,200 to 1,400 bags per hour, streamline security checks and elevate passenger convenience.
The dual focus on honoring heritage and advancing infrastructure underscores Pune’s commitment to balancing tradition with modern aviation standards.