Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to reopen the Vilasrao Deshmukh Planetarium in Sahakarnagar this May, after four years of closure due to an expired software license. Built in 2016 at a cost of ₹2 crore, the planetarium was designed to educate school students about astronomy in an engaging format. However, software-related issues led to its prolonged shutdown.
Now, with a new five-year contract signed with a Russian company, visitors can soon experience a state-of-the-art ‘Seven-D’ dome, where they can recline in luxurious chairs and feel as if they are traveling through space.
The planetarium originally operated using Fulldome Pro software, but the license expired in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the renewal process, and despite citizens and local representatives demanding its reopening, officials repeatedly cited financial and technical issues.
Recently, PMC took steps to revive the planetarium by reaching out to Fulldome Pro, which assigned the project to Saksham Solutions. The corporation has now signed a contract worth ₹61.65 lakh for the next five years.
As part of this agreement:
27 short films will be developed, including three in Marathi and Hindi.
The software and hardware systems will be inspected, updated, and repaired.
New shows will be designed, and regular maintenance will be ensured.
The first-year expenses for reopening will amount to ₹33 lakh, with an annual maintenance cost of ₹6.96 lakh thereafter. The Standing Committee has approved these funds.
The planetarium offers a cutting-edge ‘Seven-D’ experience, eliminating the need for 3D glasses. Visitors will get a realistic feel of floating through space while reclining in special chairs, making it a fun and immersive learning opportunity for children. PMC officials have confirmed that the planetarium will be open to the public free of charge.
"The planetarium's software license had expired, but we have now signed a new five-year contract. It will take about two months to complete the maintenance and updates. By May, during the summer vacation, children can finally enjoy this facility."
— Manisha Shekatkar, Chief Engineer, Electricity Department