Pune: Purandar Airport Project Progressing Smoothly, Key to City’s Economic Growth, Says Fadnavis; Assures Jobs and Higher Compensation for Villagers
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday interacted with villagers from seven villages affected by the proposed Purandar airport project. The meeting was held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, where the Chief Minister explained the government’s approach, benefits, and safeguards related to the project.
Purandar Airport to Drive Pune’s Industrial Growth
Fadnavis said Pune continues to attract strong interest from industries, and the Purandar airport will be a key enabler for future investments.
Key points highlighted by the Chief Minister:
- The airport will function as both a passenger and cargo hub
- Cargo operations will support perishable agricultural produce
- Industrial development in Pune and nearby regions will get a major boost
- Pune’s contribution to the national GDP is expected to rise by at least 2 percent
Higher Compensation for Farmers
The Chief Minister assured villagers that land acquisition will be handled sensitively and fairly.
He announced that:
- Farmers will receive maximum possible compensation
- Land acquisition rates will be decided through negotiations, not only Ready Reckoner values
- Compensation may be higher than the original land value to secure farmers’ future
Jobs, TDR Benefits and Skill Training
Several long-term benefits were announced for project-affected families.
These include:
- 100 percent job priority for children of affected farmers
- Full TDR benefits under the proposed Aerocity project
- Skill development centres to be set up after land rates are finalised
- Industry-focused training for local youth
Relief in Legal Cases
The Chief Minister also addressed concerns related to past protests. He confirmed that cases filed during earlier movements against the project will be withdrawn
Rehabilitation Given Top Priority
Fadnavis stressed that rehabilitation is central to the project’s execution.
Key assurances:
- Proper resettlement of farmers and residents will be ensured
- Protection of farmers’ next generation will be factored into compensation
- Benefits offered will be better than earlier CIDCO projects, where around 22.5 percent additional benefits were given
Officials and Villagers Present
The meeting was attended by:
- Former minister Vijay Shivtare
- Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O. P. Gupta
- Transport Department Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Sethi
- Industries Department Principal Secretary P. Anbalagan
- MIDC CEO P. Velarasu
- Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi
- Villagers from the seven affected villages in the Purandar region
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Purandar Airport Project
Q1. Why is the Purandar airport important for Pune?
The Purandar airport is seen as critical infrastructure to support Pune’s growing economy. It will improve air connectivity, attract new industries, and ease pressure on the existing Lohegaon airport.
Q2. Will Purandar airport be only a passenger airport?
No. The project is planned as both a passenger and cargo airport. The cargo facility will support faster movement of goods, including perishable agricultural produce, boosting trade and logistics.
Q3. How will the airport impact Pune’s economy?
According to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the airport is expected to strengthen industrial growth in Pune and nearby regions and increase Pune’s contribution to India’s GDP by at least 2 percent.
Q4. What industries are expected to benefit from the project?
Manufacturing, IT, logistics, export-oriented businesses, and agro-based industries are expected to benefit due to improved cargo handling and international connectivity.
Q5. What additional development is planned around the airport?
An Aerocity project is planned around the airport, which will include commercial hubs, logistics parks, and supporting infrastructure, creating long-term employment opportunities.
Q6. When will skill development initiatives begin for local youth?
Skill development centres will be set up after land acquisition rates are finalised, with training aligned to industry needs linked to the airport ecosystem.
For more live updates on Pune, visit our Pune News Today page.
