Pune Akashvani News Division Will Not Shut Down, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Clarifies
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Shivajinagar, 17th June 2026: The News Division of Pune Akashvani (All India Radio) will not be shut down, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured, putting an end to speculation surrounding the future of the historic public broadcaster’s local news operations.
The assurance came after Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol met Vaishnaw and raised concerns over reports circulating in recent days about the possible closure of the Pune Akashvani News Division.
Vaishnaw, who was in Pune to inaugurate various railway development projects and launch new rail services, was received by Mohol at Pune International Airport. During their interaction, Mohol conveyed the concerns of listeners and stakeholders regarding the future of the news division and urged the Centre to retain it.
Responding to the concerns, Vaishnaw clarified that the Central Government has no proposal or intention to close the Pune Akashvani News Division.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is working to modernise and strengthen Akashvani centres across the country. We are making efforts at multiple levels to make Akashvani more effective, modern and people-centric. Therefore, the question of shutting down the Pune Akashvani News Division does not arise. Instead, our focus is on strengthening local news dissemination and public engagement,” Vaishnaw said.
He added that the Centre remains committed to upgrading Akashvani centres in Maharashtra and across the country.
Pune Akashvani’s News Division has a rich legacy spanning several decades and shares a strong emotional connection with millions of listeners across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and neighbouring regions. Over the years, it has established itself as a trusted source of local news, social issues coverage and cultural programming.
Mohol said he had conveyed the sentiments of listeners to the Union Minister and highlighted the importance of preserving the institution.
“Akashvani Pune has a glorious history. Even today, nearly 12.5 million listeners regularly rely on Akashvani’s news bulletins. I conveyed the emotions and expectations of every listener to Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who has given a clear assurance that the Pune Akashvani News Division will continue to function,” Mohol said.
He urged people to put an end to speculation about the closure of the news division and thanked the Centre for its efforts to modernise and strengthen Akashvani.
