Pune : Runway to be expanded soon at Lohegaon airport, informed Ajit Pawar  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly integrated terminal building of Pune airport at Lohegaon via video conferencing on Sunday. The initiative aims to enhance air travel convenience for the general public populace of the country Narendra Modi said, “The new terminal will make air travel easier and more comfortable for the common people of the country.”The inauguration attendees included Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Cooperation Minister Dilip Valse Patil and Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil at Pune airport.

Pawar highlighted plans for the extension of the existing runway in conjunction with the construction of the new airport facility.
The new terminal boasts a capacity of 1,000 cars, 34 check-in counters and a usual passenger capacity of 90 lakhs. Officials have been directed to commence operations at the new terminal by April 2024.

Fadnavis additionally emphasized Pune’s significance as a pivotal city and Maharashtra’s manufacturing and IT hub. He acknowledged the inadequacy of the old terminal to accommodate the burgeoning number of passengers, leading to collaboration with the Ministry Of Defence to secure space for the new terminal.

Regarding the new airport site, Fadnavis outlined plans for constructing an airport at Purandar in the Pune district to meet the escalating demands of aviation services. Land acquisition for the project is set to commence soon. The Purandar site will also house a cargo centre, fostering the development of new supply chains and employment opportunities.

The proposed airport at Purandar is essential to accommodate Pune’s expanding population and is expected to contribute significantly to the city’s GDP growth. This infrastructural development underscores the commitment to advancing air travel facilities and bolstering economic growth in Pune City and surrounding regions.