khadki, Pune

Khadki Bazar, a locality in Pune is part of the Desh or Paschim Maharashtra region and offers a glimpse into India’s colonial and wartime past. Khadki is best known for its longstanding role as an Indian Army base. The locality is home to an ordnance; More

Khadki Bazar, a locality in Pune is part of the Desh or Paschim Maharashtra region and offers a glimpse into India’s colonial and wartime past. Khadki is best known for its longstanding role as an Indian Army base. The locality is home to an ordnance factory with two ammunition factories, the Central Armed Forces Vehicle Depot (CAFVD), and the Military Dairy Farm. The area is surrounded by major military installations, including the College of Military Engineering in Dapodi and the Bombay Engineering Group, highlighting its role as a defense hub. The Khadki (or Kirkee) Cantonment, one of the richest cantonments in India, remains a central feature, housing the Kirkee War Cemetery and two special memorials maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The cemetery holds graves of 1,668 Commonwealth service personnel from World War II, along with 629 from World War I, reburied here from the Bombay Sewri Christian Cemetery in 1962. The locality's historical significance dates back to the Battle of Khadki, a pivotal clash between the British East India Company and the Marathas. This event marked a turning point in the area’s history, leading to the establishment of the Khadki Cantonment by the British, which continues to shape its character and infrastructure today. Khadki’s landscape is defined by the Mula River, which borders it on three sides and converges with the Mutha River at Sangamwadi. Two historic bridges—the Holkar Bridge and the Sangam Double Bridges (for both rail and road traffic)—add to the area’s scenic and strategic charm, enhancing its military roots and offering striking views of the river. Khadki has a rich legacy in field hockey and football, hosting local matches at the CAFVD Sports Stadium. It is known as a "hockey bastion" and has produced notable players, including former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay and renowned full-back Joe Philips. The locality's sporting culture continues to thrive, fostering a sense of community and pride among residents. Khadki offers a variety of educational institutions, including Kendriya Vidyalaya R.H.E, St. Joseph's, All Saints, S.V.S. High School, and Alegaonkar School. It also has prominent colleges like TJ College, Tikaram Jagannath College, and the College of Management Studies. Residents have access to quality healthcare services at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Cantonment General Hospital and the Ordnance Factory Hospital. The vibrant Khadki Bazaar serves as a bustling market that caters to the diverse needs of the local community. Khadki's connectivity is enhanced by its proximity to transport hubs, including the New Wakadewadi MSRTC Bus Stand, Old Sangvi Bus Stand, Khadki Railway Station, Dapodi Railway Station, and upcoming metro stations at Khadki and Bopodi. Despite occasional traffic congestion during peak hours, these transport options make commuting convenient. Khadki is home to a diverse population with a blend of ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. This multicultural environment contributes to a rich community life and fosters cultural harmony. Khadki’s heritage, coupled with modern amenities and vibrant community spirit, makes it a locality where history and contemporary life beautifully intertwine. Less