Pune: Purandar Airport Land Acquisition to Cost Rs 4,500-6,000 Crore; Construction to Begin in 2026
Pune, 30th March 2025: The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) will require an estimated ₹4,500-6,000 crore for acquiring land for the proposed Purandar Greenfield Airport. A concessionaire for the airport’s construction is expected to be appointed by December 2025, paving the way for the project’s execution.
MIDC CEO P. Velarasu stated that the funds for land acquisition would come from MIDC’s reserves and financial institutions, ensuring smooth disbursement. “We have allocated ₹4.82 crore to the district administration for conducting land surveys and measurements in the first phase. There will be no delays in releasing funds,” he assured after the first review meeting held in Pune on Friday.
Land Acquisition and Project Timeline
Velarasu explained that the entire land acquisition process, including surveys, measurements, and actual land transfer to MIDC, will take around six months. He further revealed that construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with completion expected by end-2028. “We anticipate launching airport operations by 2029,” he added.
Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi stated that drone surveys for land measurement would commence from April 9. “Before that, we will conduct individual meetings in each of the seven villages—Vanpuri, Kumbharvalan, Udhachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjavadi, Khanvadi, and Pargaon—where land is being acquired. These meetings will allow stakeholders to voice their concerns,” Dudi said.
The state government issued a notification on March 10, designating 2,823 hectares of land across these seven villages as an industrial zone under the MIDC Act.
Compensation and Land Acquisition Process
A senior MIDC official clarified that landowners would be compensated as per the Land Acquisition Act, offering 4.5 to 5 times the Ready Reckoner (RR) rate for direct purchases. “If landowners reject the offer, compulsory land acquisition for infrastructure projects will be implemented,” the official explained. The land survey is expected to take two months, followed by the overall acquisition process. “We will soon issue the 32(2) notification, after which the land transfer process will proceed,” he added.
Farmers’ Opposition Intensifies
Despite government assurances, farmers and local residents are opposing the project, arguing that the land being acquired is fertile and irrigated, with extensive cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and sugarcane. The Vimantal Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti, which has been spearheading the resistance, has vowed to escalate protests.
“We have called for a meeting on Gudi Padwa to decide on the next course of action,” said Jitendra Memane, a leader of the Samiti. “The government seems determined to push forward with the project, but they have not engaged in discussions with us. We will intensify our opposition in the coming days,” he asserted.
The Purandar Airport project, which has faced delays due to land acquisition challenges and opposition from local farmers, is now moving forward with renewed momentum. However, the extent of resistance from affected villagers may influence the project’s progress in the months ahead.
