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Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airports to be renamed soon; awaiting approval from the Centre
Pune, October 4, 2025: A proposal to give new names to two major airports in Maharashtra has been sent to the Central Government. Giving information in this regard, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a proposal to name the existing airport in Pune after Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj and the airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been sent to the Centre. According to the new policy of the Central Government, these name changes are likely to be approved soon.
Nature and significance of the proposal
This proposal has been sent with a view to paying homage to the cultural and historical heritage of Maharashtra. Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj is an important saint-poet in Marathi culture, and his thoughts and abhangas still inspire millions of people. Similarly, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is known as the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a brave warrior of the Maratha Empire. Fadnavis said that naming airports after these two great personalities would give due respect to the sentiments of the local people and their contributions.
Basis of the Central Government's New Policy
The Central Government has recently announced a new policy on naming airports, which is expected to speed up the process of approving such proposals. Fadnavis said, "This policy will speed up the process of giving new names to airports in Maharashtra. We are in constant touch with the Central Government and hope that a positive decision will be taken in this regard soon."
Local Reaction and Expectations
The proposal has been welcomed by the citizens of Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Pune-based social activist and historian Prof. Sharad Patil said, "Naming the Pune Airport after Sant Tukaram Maharaj is a tribute to our cultural heritage. This will further enrich the identity of Pune." Local citizens of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have also expressed their support for the proposal to name the airport after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. “This naming is not just limited to the name, it is linked to our history and Maratha tradition,” said Rahul Patil, president of the local traders’ association.
Importance of airports
Pune airport is a major airport in Maharashtra and is an important hub for domestic and international passengers. Apart from this, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport is important from a tourism and commercial point of view in the Marathwada region. Experts believe that if the naming of both these airports is linked to local culture and history, it will have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism.
Next steps
The proposal has been sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, which is likely to be discussed soon. After the approval of the Union Government, the process of naming the airports will be completed and the formal use of the new names will begin. Coordination is being done with the local administration and the airport authority in this regard.
Pune, October 4, 2025: A proposal to give new names to two major airports in Maharashtra has been sent to the Central Government. Giving information in this regard, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that a proposal to name the existing airport in Pune after Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj and the airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj has been sent to the Centre. According to the new policy of the Central Government, these name changes are likely to be approved soon.
Nature and significance of the proposal
This proposal has been sent with a view to paying homage to the cultural and historical heritage of Maharashtra. Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj is an important saint-poet in Marathi culture, and his thoughts and abhangas still inspire millions of people. Similarly, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is known as the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a brave warrior of the Maratha Empire. Fadnavis said that naming airports after these two great personalities would give due respect to the sentiments of the local people and their contributions.
Basis of the Central Government's New Policy
The Central Government has recently announced a new policy on naming airports, which is expected to speed up the process of approving such proposals. Fadnavis said, "This policy will speed up the process of giving new names to airports in Maharashtra. We are in constant touch with the Central Government and hope that a positive decision will be taken in this regard soon."
Local Reaction and Expectations
The proposal has been welcomed by the citizens of Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Pune-based social activist and historian Prof. Sharad Patil said, "Naming the Pune Airport after Sant Tukaram Maharaj is a tribute to our cultural heritage. This will further enrich the identity of Pune." Local citizens of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have also expressed their support for the proposal to name the airport after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. “This naming is not just limited to the name, it is linked to our history and Maratha tradition,” said Rahul Patil, president of the local traders’ association.
Importance of airports
Pune airport is a major airport in Maharashtra and is an important hub for domestic and international passengers. Apart from this, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport is important from a tourism and commercial point of view in the Marathwada region. Experts believe that if the naming of both these airports is linked to local culture and history, it will have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism.
Next steps
The proposal has been sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, which is likely to be discussed soon. After the approval of the Union Government, the process of naming the airports will be completed and the formal use of the new names will begin. Coordination is being done with the local administration and the airport authority in this regard.
Nature and significance of the proposal
This proposal has been sent with a view to paying homage to the cultural and historical heritage of Maharashtra. Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj is an important saint-poet in Marathi culture, and his thoughts and abhangas still inspire millions of people. Similarly, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is known as the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a brave warrior of the Maratha Empire. Fadnavis said that naming airports after these two great personalities would give due respect to the sentiments of the local people and their contributions.
Basis of the Central Government's New Policy
The Central Government has recently announced a new policy on naming airports, which is expected to speed up the process of approving such proposals. Fadnavis said, "This policy will speed up the process of giving new names to airports in Maharashtra. We are in constant touch with the Central Government and hope that a positive decision will be taken in this regard soon."
Local Reaction and Expectations
The proposal has been welcomed by the citizens of Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Pune-based social activist and historian Prof. Sharad Patil said, "Naming the Pune Airport after Sant Tukaram Maharaj is a tribute to our cultural heritage. This will further enrich the identity of Pune." Local citizens of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have also expressed their support for the proposal to name the airport after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. “This naming is not just limited to the name, it is linked to our history and Maratha tradition,” said Rahul Patil, president of the local traders’ association.
Importance of airports
Pune airport is a major airport in Maharashtra and is an important hub for domestic and international passengers. Apart from this, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport is important from a tourism and commercial point of view in the Marathwada region. Experts believe that if the naming of both these airports is linked to local culture and history, it will have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism.
Next steps
The proposal has been sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, which is likely to be discussed soon. After the approval of the Union Government, the process of naming the airports will be completed and the formal use of the new names will begin. Coordination is being done with the local administration and the airport authority in this regard.
