Pune and Bengaluru have been fierce competitors in the race to be the IT capital of India. Both cities have a strong presence in the tech industry, with a large number of IT companies, startups, and skilled professionals. But over the past few years, there has been a growing perception that Pune has overtaken Bengaluru in terms of its IT industry growth and potential.

One major factor that has contributed to Pune's rise as an IT hub is its favorable location. Located in the western state of Maharashtra, Pune is easily accessible from major cities like Mumbai, which is the financial capital of India. This makes it an attractive destination for IT professionals and companies looking to tap into the growing market in India.

Pune is also home to several educational institutes that produce highly skilled professionals. These institutes, such as the University of Pune and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, have a strong focus on technology and engineering, which has helped to create a pool of talented professionals for the IT industry.

In terms of infrastructure, Pune has made significant investments in recent years to improve its connectivity and infrastructure. The city has a well-developed transportation system, including a metro rail project that is currently under construction. Pune also boasts of several co-working spaces and incubation centers that support startups and entrepreneurs.

However, Bengaluru is not far behind; but the city has been facing some challenges in recent years. One major challenge is the rising cost of living, which has made it difficult for IT companies to attract and retain talent. The city is also grappling with traffic congestion and air pollution, which have had a negative impact on the quality of life for its residents.

It can be argued that Pune has made significant progress in recent years in terms of its IT industry growth and potential. However, Bengaluru is still a strong player in the race — and it will be interesting to see how these two cities continue to compete and evolve in the future.