Pune: CM Fadnavis Sets June 25 Deadline for Land Acquisition for Purandar Airport
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to begin land acquisition for Pune’s proposed international airport at Purandar this month and complete it by June 2025. The announcement came during a high-level meeting where the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) was instructed to initiate the process immediately. An official notification for the land acquisition is expected by the end of January.
The long-awaited Purandar airport, named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is projected to be operational by 2029. Spanning over 2,300 hectares, it will fulfill Pune’s growing demand for an international airport.
Currently, Pune’s airport at Lohegaon faces operational constraints as it doubles as an Indian Air Force base. The need for a dedicated international airport has been a pressing issue, especially since the earlier proposed site at Chakan had to be abandoned due to local protests.
Fadnavis, who first announced the Purandar airport project in 2016, emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline and ensuring a smooth acquisition process. Officials have been instructed to expedite the procedure, ensuring all operations are completed by the June deadline.
This ambitious project is seen as a critical step toward addressing Pune’s infrastructure challenges and boosting the region’s economic prospects.
