4 NOVEMBER2022Editor NotePune Journey from `Oxford of the East' to Industrial Heavyweight Pune, Maharashtra's second-largest city after Mumbai is known for being an important center for economic and industrial activity in the country. The city was once the seat of power for the Maratha Empire and has a strong cultural and historical heritage. Over the years Pune has developed as the hub for higher education and industries alike. Also known as the `Oxford of the East' Pune houses some of the most prestigious educational institutions from across disciplines. In terms of industries, close to 20 percent of all industries in the state of Maharashtra are situated in the Pune region. It is arguably one of the fastest growing cities in India. Over the past six decades Pune was the centralized point for German businesses along with having various industries such as manufacturing, glass, sugar, and forging industries and more.The city generates $48 billion in GDP, or Rs.278,400 crores, making it the seventh most prosperous city in the country based on GDP. Globally, Pune is recognized as the 108th most developed city. Pune's Hinjewadi region alone houses over 147 companies and provides employment to 350,000 people. Some of the most recognized and market leading companies present in Pune include automobile giants such as Tata Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Mahindra & Mahindra, Force Motors (Firodia-Group), Kinetic Motors, along with automotive component companies such as Saint-Gobain Sekurit, TATA Autocomp Systems Limited, Robert Bosch GmbH, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Visteon, and Continental Corporation. There is an increased emphasis on improving the connectivity to Pune to boost the region's business viability. The step in the plan is the ongoing expansion of the Pune airport. The city hopes to leverage the Air Force's participation to increase the number of flights taking off and landing at Pune airport without making any infrastructure change. Similarly there is also emphasis on improving Rail connectivity, especially with the starting of the Vande Bharat trains Pune's connectivity with Mumbai has significantly increased. The city is also focusing on overhauling its civic infrastructure. At the heart of Pune's economic growth is the hardworking and judicious demographic residing in the city. The good quality of life also attracts hordes of talented professionals who find ample growth and prosperity waiting for them in the city. The current edition of Women Entrepreneur magazine highlights the stories of a few such corporate women leaders from the city of Pune from across industries and sectors. These women are testament to the power of women leaders in India. Read on and do let us know your thoughts. Rachita SharmaManaging Editor
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