Pune Airport Expansion: Upgrading Infrastructure For Enhanced Travel Experience
Passenger Arrested at Pune Airport With 28 Cartridges In Luggage
The Pune Airport is set to undergo significant expansion and development, with a new terminal building and enhanced capacity to reduce congestion during peak hours . The existing terminal, with a built-up area of 22,300 sqm, will be integrated with the new terminal, boasting a massive 7,50,000 sqft area, capable of handling 16 million passengers per annum (MPPA) .
The new terminal will feature 10 passenger boarding bridges, 72 check-in counters, and an in-line baggage handling system, ensuring a seamless travel experience . Additionally, a multilevel car park with a capacity for 1024 cars will be constructed to alleviate parking concerns.
To give the airport a unique cultural touch, the new forecourt garden design is inspired by Pune’s iconic Shaniwar Wada Gardens . The airport’s design will also incorporate beautiful Maratha arches and decorated columns with local dark stone finishes, reflecting Maharashtra’s rich heritage.
The expansion project, undertaken by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), is estimated to cost Rs. 475 crore, with more than 55% of the work already completed. The new terminal is expected to be completed by August 2023, aligning with the government’s vision of infrastructure-led growth under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
In related news, a new greenfield airport has been proposed in Purandar, Maharashtra, to cater to the growing demands of air travel in Pune and surrounding regions . However, the project’s site was canceled in 2021 due to the Ministry of Defence withdrawing its no-objection certificate (NOC), and a new site is yet to be finalized.
