India’s Newest Aviation Gallery Is Now Open For Business

One of the first aviation galleries in India, Sirsangchalak Babasaheb Devras Aviation Gallery, has opened its doors to the public. Located in Gaothan in Pune, Maharashtra, the gallery aims to spread awareness about aviation and aeronautics. It is a collaboration between Pune Municipal Corporation and Mahalaxmi Learning Foundation.

The Highlights

• It is a four-storey museum located in Pune, Maharashtra
• The ticket price is ₹10 for a child, ₹25 for an Indian adult, and ₹300 for a foreign citizen.
• The first floor of the gallery showcases the evolution of aviation.
• Different aircraft and helicopter models are presented on display.
• An Air Force documentary is also screened.
• Various replicas of aircrafts used in the Air Force are displayed for the visitors.
• A layout of an airport is presented as a small-scale model.
• A special gallery on the third floor highlights aeromodelling, paramotoring, and aerospace.

Welcoming Statements

Speaking of the gallery to Hindustan Times, Sujit Shedkar, the coordinator for the aircraft exhibit at the Aviation Gallery, said, “The gallery is quite informative citizens will like it. This gallery displays the history of the aviation industry, replicas of aeroplanes, aeroplane designs, airport design, aeromodelling, and aerospace exhibits.”

Nitin Welde of Mahalaxmi Aviation, the company that took the gallery facility on a three-year lease, stated, “We see it as a social service to raise awareness amongst citizens about the aviation business. We have prepared a study trip for school students at this gallery. We are working to include this gallery in the Pune Darshan bus service, which is operated by PMPML. Citizens should visit this centre to learn about the aviation sector.”

The idea of the gallery was initially suggested by Balasaheb Bodke before 2017 but its work was only completed in 2020, costing around ₹4 crore. The gallery was first inaugurated to be open on March 9, 2020. However, it remained closed more than four years after its inauguration and only opened its doors now.