The
visit to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport, Pune, was part of “Rock Cut Cave Temples of
Maharashtra Visit”, from 28th February to 3rd March 2026.
HISTORY
OF THE PUNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Established
in 1939 as RAF Poona to secure Mumbai during World War II, Pune Airport (PNQ)
in Lohegaon transitioned to the Royal Indian Air Force in 1947. Primarily a
defence airbase, it later developed civil operations, becoming a major
international hub with a new terminal and 24/7 operations, serving Pune's
growing infrastructure.
Establishment
(1939): The airfield was built by the British as a Royal Air Force base to
provide air security to Mumbai.
World
War II Era: The base was used for squadrons operating de Havilland Mosquito,
Vickers Wellington, and Supermarine Spitfire aircraft.
Post-Independence
(1947): The Royal Indian Air Force took charge of the airfield in May 1947.
Civil
Operations: The airport evolved from a pure military base into a joint-use
airport, handling increasing civilian passenger traffic.
Modernisation:
In recent years, it has undergone significant upgrades, including a new, larger
terminal building to handle higher capacity, and it functions as a 24/7
airport.
Recent
Developments: In September 2024, the airport was officially named Jagadguru
Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport by the Maharashtra government.
Future
Plans: Due to constraints on expanding the existing defence-linked, land-locked
Lohegaon site, a new Greenfield International Airport is proposed in the
Purandar area of the Pune district.
The
airport is currently operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and
features two terminals and a runway of 2,450 meters.
Jagadguru
Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
He
was a revered 17th-century Marathi saint and poet from the Bhakti movement in
India. He
is particularly associated with the Varkari sect, a devotional tradition
dedicated to Lord Vithoba (Vitthal), an incarnation of Vishnu. His
philosophy focused on equality, compassion and devotion to God. He
rejected the rigid caste system and criticised blind ritualism, emphasising
inner spirituality over external practices. His
Abhangas (devotional poems) are considered masterpieces of Marathi literature.
Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj Rajyaabhishek Ceremony
The
great and iconic warrior-King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Kingdom in India. The artwork of his coronation (Rajyaabhishek -held on
6th June 1674) has great significance in the history of Maharashtra and India,
as it marks the establishment of an independent Maratha Empire (Hindavi
Swarajya) and the resurgence of the Hindu rule in the region during the time of
Mughal dominance. The event was much more than just a commemorative event as it
displayed high values, vision of the sovereign Maratha State and efforts of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to protect his people. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
was a benevolent ruler who displayed prowess on the battlefield and undertook the nation-building oath when he was only 15. The use of vibrant colours in the
artwork speaks volumes of his royalty, popularity and admiration among people.
Even today, Maharashtra celebrates his coronation ceremony every year with
expansive processions, folk dance and enactments of stories from the life of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The 3D mural has been done in a realistic style with
the use of vibrant colours to bring a close representation of the grand event.
LOCATION
OF THE AIRPORT: CLICK HERE
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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