Pune: PMC Approves ₹30.84 Crore Land Acquisition for Lohgaon Airport Road; Questions Raised Over Possible Bharat Mandapam Link
Pune: PMC Approves ₹30.84 Crore Land Acquisition for Lohgaon Airport Road; Questions Raised Over Possible Bharat Mandapam Link
Pune, July 17, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Standing Committee has approved a proposal to acquire approximately 14,629.76 sq. m. of land for constructing a 30-metre-wide alternative access road to support the expansion of Lohgaon Airport. The land acquisition, estimated to cost ₹30.84 crore, was cleared during Thursday’s committee meeting.
However, the approval has sparked speculation within civic circles that the proposed road could also serve the planned Bharat Mandapam project near the airport, a high-profile development reportedly backed by the BJP.
When asked whether the new road was being planned with the Bharat Mandapam project in mind, Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale responded with a smile but did not directly deny the suggestion, further fuelling the discussion.
New Road Needed Due to Airport Expansion
The Indian Air Force is currently undertaking the expansion and modernization of Lohgaon Airport. As part of the project, the existing 12-metre-wide access road passing through defence land will be closed.
At present, vehicles access the airport via the road from 509 Chowk, which passes through defence property. Since this route will no longer be available after the airport expansion, the PMC has proposed developing a 30-metre-wide alternative road to maintain connectivity.
The PMC General Body had approved the alignment for the new road on February 18, 2020, and the Maharashtra government later incorporated the necessary changes into the city’s Development Plan to grant final approval.
Bharat Mandapam Speculation Continues
Despite the official explanation that the road is required for airport connectivity, there is growing speculation that the Development Plan modifications were also intended to facilitate the proposed Bharat Mandapam project adjacent to Lohgaon Airport.
₹30.84 Crore Approved for Land Acquisition
According to Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale, the land acquisition will be carried out under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
“The administration has estimated that approximately ₹30.83 crore will be required for acquiring the land. The proposal has been approved,” Bhimale said.
The road project is expected to ensure uninterrupted access to Lohgaon Airport once the existing defence road is closed, although questions over its broader purpose are likely to continue.
