In a significant push for Pune's aviation infrastructure, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday issued clear directives to expedite the long-awaited Purandar airport project. During a progress review meeting held in Mumbai, the chief minister instructed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to prepare and submit a comprehensive funding proposal for the crucial land acquisition phase ahead of the next state cabinet meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for February 10.
Financial Mechanism and Timelines Emphasized
Reviewing the project's advancement, Chief Minister Fadnavis underscored the urgent need for a finalized financial mechanism to propel the ambitious initiative forward. He mandated MIDC officials to complete the extensive land acquisition process within a strictly stipulated timeframe. Furthermore, to ensure seamless and coordinated execution, he directed the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and the Urban Development Department to clearly delineate and define their respective roles and responsibilities in the project's lifecycle.
Transformational Impact and Proactive Planning
"Once operational, the Purandar airport will transform the surrounding region into a major development zone," Fadnavis stated emphatically. He urged CIDCO to adopt a proactive stance, emphasizing that "CIDCO must act proactively to ensure land availability in the area at this stage itself to support future growth." This forward-looking approach aims to capitalize on the airport's potential to catalyze economic and urban development in Pune's satellite regions.
Scale of the Project and Current Status
The ambitious greenfield airport project necessitates the acquisition of approximately 3,000 acres of land, spanning seven villages within the Purandar taluka. The chief minister highlighted that this airport is a critical component of Pune's long-term infrastructure blueprint, deemed essential for supporting the city's rapid industrialisation and the expanding urban footprint of its peripheral areas.
On the ground, the Pune district administration has reported substantial progress, having already secured consent from an impressive 95% of the affected landowners. However, the final acquisition process is currently in a holding pattern, awaiting the release of necessary funds from MIDC.
Funding Strategy and Development Model
According to officials from MIDC, the corporation is actively in the process of onboarding credit institutions to finance the massive land acquisition, which carries an estimated cost of approximately Rs 4,500 crore. "The special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will also initiate the request for qualification and request for proposal processes to select a developer under the design, build, and operate model," a senior MIDC official explained. "This strategy is intended to minimize the interval between acquiring the land and breaking ground on construction."
Expanded Land Acquisition and Administrative Oversight
In addition to the core airport site, the Pune district administration has confirmed plans to acquire an additional 250 hectares of peripheral land. This expansion is driven by a strong willingness expressed by local landowners to participate in the area's development. The current land acquisition focus is concentrated across seven specific villages: Vanpuri, Kumbhar Valan, Udachi Wadi, Ekhatpur, Munjawadi, Khanwadi, and Pargaon.
To facilitate and streamline this complex process, the state government has appointed dedicated officers, including officials of deputy collector and sub-divisional officer rank, to oversee operations in each village, ensuring focused administrative attention.
Broader Aviation Strategy for Maharashtra
Broadening the scope beyond the Purandar project, Chief Minister Fadnavis also addressed the state's overarching aviation strategy. He noted that the institutional capacity of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) must be significantly enhanced. To centralize and streamline development efforts across the state, he proposed that all airports currently under construction in Maharashtra be handed over to MADC for unified management and accelerated development.
