Crucial development in Purandar Airport Project: Fadnavis asks to formulate a comprehensive land acquisition plan 

In a recent meeting organized at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged officials from the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC) to devise a comprehensive land acquisition plan for the proposed international airport in Purandar taluka, Pune district. Fadnavis emphasized the importance of a well-defined acquisition plan before proceeding with the land acquisition required for the Purandar Airport, aiming to minimize the need for further acquisitions.

The proposed plan designates 3,000 acres of land from seven villages—Pargaon, Khanwadi, Munjwadi, Ekhatpur, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, and Udachiwadi—for acquisition. However, this plan has met resistance from local landowners.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently confirmed the approval for the Purandar Airport during an inspection of the new terminal building at Pune Airport. He highlighted the necessity for the state to acquire the designated land.

Despite government assurances, the Purandar Airport project has faced prolonged delays. Fadnavis, acknowledging the urgency of a new airport in Pune, cited its strategic importance for the Indian Air Force, which plans to introduce additional squadrons. This military consideration has impeded significant expansions to civil aviation infrastructure and flights.

Fadnavis also highlighted the growing demand for direct international flights from Pune and the interest of IT companies from Bengaluru in shifting their base to Pune due to infrastructure issues. He noted that a new airport in Pune would not only cater to these demands but also attract investors looking to establish plants around Pune.