Maharashtra CM Directs Expedited Work on Shirdi and Pune’s Purandar Airports Ahead of Kumbh Mela
Mumbai, July 18, 2025:Â Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued urgent directives to accelerate the expansion and renovation of Shirdi Airport ahead of the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela. He also reviewed the progress of the proposed Purandar Airport at Pune, emphasizing the need for swift land acquisition to ensure timely project completion.
Key Directives for Shirdi Airport Expansion
During a high-level meeting at the Vidhan Bhavan, CM Fadnavis stressed the importance of operationalizing Shirdi Airport at full capacity before the Kumbh Mela. Key instructions include:
- Immediate completion of pending renovation and expansion works.
- Fast-tracking construction of a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, an integrated cargo building, and terminal enhancements before the Kumbh Mela.
- Additional manpower deployment if required to meet deadlines.
- Finalizing structural designs and procurement within the next week.
Shirdi Airport, being strategically close to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports, can also serve as a parking hub for smaller aircraft. The CM directed authorities to explore acquiring additional land if necessary to enhance parking and operational facilities.
Pune’s Purandar Airport: Land Acquisition to Begin Soon
The Purandar Airport project to decongest Pune International Airport at Lohegaon, has completed its initial survey, and it was also reviewed. CM Fadnavis instructed the Pune District Collector to expedite land acquisition so that construction can begin at the earliest. Once operational, the airport will expand Maharashtra’s aviation network, improving regional connectivity.
High-Level Meeting Attended by Key Officials
The review meeting was chaired by CM Fadnavis and attended by:
- Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
- Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil
- Transport Department’s Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Sethi
- MIDC CEO P. Velarasu
- Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar
- District Collectors and aviation officials
The state government aims to strengthen air connectivity ahead of major events like the Kumbh Mela while boosting infrastructure development in Maharashtra.
