International airport to be ready by 3 – 4 years in Pune : Devendra Fadnavis  

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that Pune City is set to welcome a new international airport at the Purandar site, with construction anticipated to commence in 2024. Despite challenges, including land acquisition hurdles and local opposition, progress on the project is underway.

Fadnavis highlighted that the inauguration of the new terminal at Lohegaon airport which took place on Sunday, marked a significant milestone. The terminal, sprawling across 51,595 square metres, is poised to serve 12 million passengers annually, a substantial increase from the current capacity of 7.2 million.

Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Conclave Organisation by the Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR), Fadnavis said, “Even as the new terminal at the existing airport will be inaugurated, we are confident that in the next three to four years, Pune will get another new airport as well. The work for the new airport will start this year with land acquisition to be completed in 2024 itself.”

The Maharashtra State government aims to finalize the land acquisition progress this year, facilitating the airport’s development. Fadnavis moreover expressed optimism about the airport’s completion within three to four years.
Initially, the airport site at Purandar faced setbacks; it was relocated 20 kilometres due to feasibility concerns. However, the decision to revert to the original location has streamlined the project’s trajectory.
With all necessary clearances from the defence ministry secured, the Purandar site stands ready to accommodate Pune’s growing aviation needs.

As Pune gears up for enhanced air travel facilities, the new International airport promises to be a catalyst for growth, offering improved services and greater accessibility to travellers in just three to four years.