Pune: Mohol takes charge of Civil Aviation and Co-op Ministries, ignites hopes for a new airport in Pune
MP from Pune, Murlidhar Mohol takes charge as MoS for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Ministries.
In an important development for Pune, newly sworn-in Union Cabinet Minister of State (MoS) Murlidhar Mohol has been allocated the crucial portfolios of Civil Aviation and Cooperation. The announcement, made on Monday evening from Rashtrapati Bhavan, has generated optimism among city leaders and stakeholders, given the strategic importance of these ministries to the region.
Enhancing Pune’s Aviation Prospects
The Civil Aviation portfolio is particularly vital for Pune, a city with expanding aspirations and limited current infrastructure. Pune’s Lohegaon airbase, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, has faced constraints in accommodating the city’s growing air traffic. The push for a new airport at Purandar has been ongoing, and Mohol’s appointment brings fresh hope that these plans will gain momentum. Expansion efforts at Pune airport are seen as crucial to enhancing the city’s connectivity and economic growth.
Mohol is the third person from Pune to join the Union cabinet, following in the footsteps of Suresh Kalmadi of the Congress and Prakash Javadekar of the BJP. He is also the second Lok Sabha MP from Pune to become a union minister in nearly 30 years, making his appointment a notable milestone for the city.
Commitments to Cooperation and Development
In addition to Civil Aviation, Mohol has been entrusted with the Ministry of Cooperation, working under the leadership of Amit Shah. Western Maharashtra is home to numerous cooperative institutions, including sugar mills and credit societies, making this portfolio particularly significant.
Upon receiving his new roles, Mohol expressed his dedication to his duties: “I have said earlier too that I will do every work that is allotted to me with complete seriousness. I am happier about the fact that I will be working under the leadership of Amit Shah as cabinet minister for Cooperation.”
Boost for Pune’s Economy
The allocation of these portfolios to Mohol has been met with enthusiasm by local leaders and industry stakeholders. Sudhir Mehta, industrialist and former MCCIA president, remarked, “This is by far the biggest boost for Pune’s economy, infrastructure, and connectivity. Looking forward to working closely with Murli Anna.” Prashant Girbane, director general of MCCIA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the association’s eagerness to collaborate on advancing civil aviation in the region.
City-based entrepreneur Amit Paranjape also expressed his optimism on social media, stating, “Civil Aviation is an important area for Pune… as most Punekars know! Great to hear that Murlidhar Mohol is getting this portfolio.”
Mohol’s dual responsibilities are seen as a significant opportunity to drive forward projects that could transform Pune’s infrastructure and cooperative sector, reinforcing the city’s economic and social fabric.
