Pune, formerly known as Poona, is the eighth largest city in India and the second largest in the state of Maharashtra, after Mumbai. Pune is the administrative capital of Pune district and the 7th largest Metropolis in India. This city is situated about 560 meters above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers.
The name Poona is derives from Punya Nagari (Sanskrit, "City of Virtue"). By the 13th century, it had come to be known as Kasbe Pune or Punavadi. Although the city's name is sometimes transcribed as Poona in English, a practice particularly common during the British Raj, the spelling "Pune" has now become standard.
Pune was an important centre for the social and religious reform movements of the late 19th century. Many prominent social reformers and freedom fighters have lived here.
Pune saw a lot of development after the Indian Independence, such as the formation of the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla, NCL, Pashan and some other research institutes. Pune also served as headquarters of the Southern Command of the army. Industrial developments started around 1950-60s in Hadapsar, Bhosari, Pimpari, and Parvati Industrial estate. Telco (now Tata Motors) started operations in 1961, which gave a huge boost to the automobile sector.
Pune was referred at that time as “Pensioners’ Paradise” since many government officers, civil engineers, and Army personnel preferred to settle down in Pune after their retirement. Pune had 200,000 bicycles at that time. In July 1961, Panshet dam broke and its waters flooded the city, destroying most of the older sections, giving a chance for modern town planning concepts to be put into use. This unfortunate incident however led constructive developments in the city, and the economy of the city witnessed a boom in construction and manufacturing sectors. By 1966, the City had expanded in all directions.
After 1970, Pune emerged as the leading engineering city of the country, especially in the automotive sector with Telco, Bajaj, Kinetic, Bharat Forge, Alfa Laval, Thermax, etc. expanding their infrastructure. By this time the city had gained the reputation of being the ‘Oxford of the East’ due to a large number of educational institutes
In 1990 Pune began to attract foreign capital, particularly in the information technology and engineering industries; new businesses like floriculture and food processing begin to take root in and around the city. In 1998, work on the six-lane Mumbai-Pune expressway began; a huge accomplishment for the country, the expressway was completed in 2001. In the three years before 2000 Pune saw huge development in the Information Technology sector, and IT Parks formed in Aundh, Hinjewadi and Nagar road.
The year 2008 saw huge development near the Chakan and Talegaon region as Multinational Corporations (MNCs) like General Motors, Volkswagen, and Fiat have set up Greenfield facilities near Pune.
Pune which was once known as "Pensioner's Paradise" has come long way to become a vibrant cosmopolitan Metro.
Today, Pune is known for its educational facilities, having more than a hundred educational institutes and nine universities. Pune has well-established Manufacturing, Glass, Sugar and Metal Forging industries. Pune also has a growing industrial hinterland, with a lot of information technology and automotive companies setting up factories in Pune district. Additionally, Pune city is well known for various cultural activities like Classical Music, Sports, Literature, Foreign language learning and Administrative, Economics, Social Science studies. These activities and job opportunities attract migrants and students from all over India, and also attract students from Middle-East, Iran, Eastern Europe, South-East Asia which makes for a city of many communities and cultures. The city has poor public transport facilities and consequently most of the residents prefer to use their own vehicles.
Pune is one of the largest cities in India to be emerging as a prominent location for IT and manufacturing companies to expand to.
The automotive sector is particularly prominent. All sectors of the automotive industry are represented, from two-wheelers and autorickshaws to Cars, Tractors, Tempos, Excavators and Trucks. Automotive components are also manufactured here. Other automotive companies including General Motors, Volkswagen, and Fiat have set up Greenfield facilities near Pune, leading The Independent to cite Pune as India's "Motor City"
Engineering goods manufactured in Pune include forges, Truck Transmissions Systems, Clutches & Hydraulic components Eaton Corporation, and engines. Other major manufacturers also include automotive safety glass. Electronic goods are manufactured by multinational companies. Major Food giants have food processing plants, while newer companies have a nearby farm. Many small and medium-sized companies are also active, producing components for larger companies and creating unique components for the Indian marketplace.
Like any other cosmopolitan city, food from all over the world is available in the city's restaurants. A large number of Udupi, Kolhapuri and Maharashtrian restaurants may be found, along with many low-priced dining halls catering to students and office goers. Popular fast-food franchises in the city include Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway, KFC, Smokin' Joes and Papa Johns. There are several coffee houses (including Iranian cafes) and modern chains such as Cafe Coffee Day, Mocha's and Barista Lavazza Coffee
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