Purandar International Airport to Transform Pune Region, Says Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar made significant announcements regarding the upcoming Purandar International Airport during a campaign event in Kanheri village, Baramati. Speaking at the launch of the campaign for the alliance of two NCP factions for the zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections, Pawar detailed the transformative impact this major infrastructure project will have on Pune district.
World-Class Airport Infrastructure
The proposed international airport, which will be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is set to become a landmark aviation hub. "The new international airport in Purandar will be spread over 3,200 acres with two runways," Pawar stated. "It will also have cargo facilities, and bigger aircraft will be operating from this facility."
Once completed, this airport will achieve remarkable scale rankings. "It will be the second biggest in the country after Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi," Pawar explained. "Internationally, it will be the 19th biggest airport in terms of area." This positioning places the Purandar facility among the world's most significant aviation infrastructures.
Land Acquisition Progress and Local Appeal
The land acquisition process for the airport is currently underway, with substantial progress already made. "Around 94% of the land owners have given their consent," Pawar revealed, highlighting the community's cooperation in this massive project.
The Deputy CM, who also serves as Pune's guardian minister, made a heartfelt appeal to local residents. "Once the airport is established, it will transform the area completely," he emphasized. "Therefore, I appeal to the local people staying around the proposed site not to sell off their properties, as these will witness huge appreciation in the near future." This advice underscores the anticipated economic boom that the airport is expected to generate in the surrounding regions.
Infrastructure Development Beyond Aviation
Pawar also highlighted recent infrastructure improvements in Pune district that demonstrate the government's commitment to development. He referenced the recently concluded international cycle race that served as a catalyst for road reconstruction across multiple tehsils.
"For the cycle race, we managed to reconstruct 450km roads across various tehsils, including Maval, Mulshi, Baramati, Purandar, Rajgad, Bhor, and the city area of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad," Pawar noted. "These roads are of good quality and will last for five to 10 years. It will help in smoother traffic movement."
The comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, combining major projects like the international airport with improvements to local road networks, reflects a strategic vision for Pune district's growth and connectivity.
