Pune airport may soon be renamed after 17th-century Marathi saint
What's the story
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a proposal to rename Pune's Lohegaon Airport after Sant Tukaram Maharaj, a 17th century Marathi saint of Varkari sampradaya.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was also present at the event, expressed his support for the proposal and pledged to ensure its approval at the Centre.
"This proposal will be brought to the next cabinet meeting and forwarded to the central government for approval," Fadnavis said.
MP's influence
Pune MP's suggestion sparks airport renaming proposal
The idea to rename the airport was suggested by Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol.
He proposed that the new airport in Pune district be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the existing one after Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
Gadkari also assured that he would seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approval for renaming the Pune International Airport.
"It is an honor to be associated with the proposal, and I will make sure it is pushed forward at the highest level," Gadkari said.
Minister's assurance
Gadkari assures PM's approval for Pune airport renaming
Gadkari was in Pune for the ground-breaking ceremony of two infrastructure projects: Dive Ghat to Hadapsar section of Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi Marg and Mula-Mutha river service road between Chandni Chowk and Warje.
He also announced ₹1.5 lakh crore worth of road and infrastructure projects for Pune and surrounding areas.
He urged the state government to expedite work on the Nashik Phata to Khed Phata route, adding that the ground-breaking ceremony for this project would take place soon.