Pune, as a city, has a lot of potential to be a classic tourist destination as over the year, the inflow of domestic as well as foreign tourists has increased by leaps and bounds. However, during research by a group of students from a city-based architecture college, they found that to make the city one of the favourite tourist destinations in the country, there is a need for planning, vision and most importantly, political will.
The six students of first year Masters in Architecture course from Dr Bhanuben Nanavati College of Engineering took several months to conduct the research and came to the conclusion that the city has a lot of potential to be a good tourist destination for national as well as international visitors.
“While doing the ground work for the research, we first started gathering basic information like how many tourists come to the city on monthly basis, which places they visit and the condition of these places, the scope for improvement and most important factor, how is the transport in the city to cater the needs of these tourists,” said Akshada Puppal, one of the students.
She said though there are several heritage structures and museums in the core part of the city, these structures are not in a good condition. There are chances of improvement through which the tradition and history of Pune can be showcased in a better manner.
“For example, Pune is an information technology hub, so if a science centre is set up in Hinjewadi area where a lot of multinational companies have their base, it will be a good tourist destination for foreign clients,” she said.
Sharvey Ghongade, a professor who monitored the research, said the students divided the city into three areas - zones 1, II and III and identified the tourist destinations that could be improved by implementing innovative things.
He said zone I covered core parts like Peth areas, Shaniwarwada, Parvati, Lal Mahal and all heritage structures and museums and for improvisation of these places, the students made action plans.
“All three zones have one thing common and that is the river. River development and beautification can change the face of the river and it can be good tourist circuit,” he said.
Speaking about action plans, Akshada said they took waterfront belt along Omkareshwar Temple and Sambhaji Garden to suggest what could be done there. As per that action plan, these river banks can be used to showcase the city’s culture and can be used for social gatherings like Ganesh festival, cultural events and exhibitions that can show the city’s culture and its history.
Tourist infrastructure in the city
Accommodation: There are several hotels in the city and one can choose as per budget.
Transport: Public and private transport: The study has highlighted that the condition of public transport is awful and needs upgradation. Metro, Monorail, better bus frequency and ring road will be beneficial for development of tourism.
Suggested infrastructure projects: Better transport accessibility, residential facilities, information centres for tourists, tourist literature, water availability, signage, two-wheelers on rent facility and tourism facilitators like guides, booking agents.
Suggested new tourist attractions: There can be museums for IT, Science and Technology, Automobiles, Air, planetarium, aquarium, theme parks, amusement parks. Students suggested that abandoned quarry sites can be used fairs, cultural events.
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