Multinational companies shifting focus away from Pune due to the lack of an international airport

In a recent survey, it has been revealed that multinational companies are increasingly turning away from Pune due to the absence of an international airport, opting instead for cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This shift in preference poses significant implications for Pune’s status as a hub for multinational brands, particularly in the IT, automobile, and service sectors.

According to the survey, Bengaluru leads the pack with 19% of multinational capability centres, followed closely by Hyderabad with 9%. Meanwhile, cities like Delhi, Pune, and Chennai each hold 8% of these centres, with Mumbai trailing at 5%. The disparity in these figures underscores the critical role of international connectivity in attracting multinational investment.

Industry experts emphasize that Pune offers robust infrastructure and a conducive business environment, making it an attractive destination for global firms. However, the lack of an international airport proves to be a decisive factor, deterring companies from establishing their operations in the city. As a result, cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi are steadily surpassing Pune in terms of multinational presence.

The absence of direct international connectivity not only hampers Pune’s potential for economic growth but also undermines its competitiveness in the global market. Urgent attention and strategic measures are needed to address this issue and ensure Pune’s continued prominence as a preferred destination for multinational investment.