Purandar Airport: With Nearly 100% Land Acquisition Completed, Pune’s New Airport Project Makes Swift Progress
The Purandar International Airport project has received a major boost, with 94 per cent of landowners across seven villages in Purandar taluka giving their consent for land acquisition. This clears a key hurdle for the ambitious project, which has been under discussion for years.
The airport will come up on 3,000 acres of land spread across Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Pargav, Munjwadi, Khanwadi, Udachiwadi and Vanpuri villages. Around 200 acres are government-owned, and with over 2,900 acres now cleared for acquisition, the project has reached almost 100 per cent of its land requirement.
The consent drive, launched on August 25 under Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, saw land acquisition coordinators camp in Saswad to meet farmers directly. Officials explained the benefits of the project and addressed concerns through regular meetings. By September 18, 90 per cent of landowners had agreed, and following an extension of the deadline to September 25, the consent figure rose to 94 per cent.
The next step begins on September 26, when land measurement work will be taken up. This process will continue until October 20, after which land rates will be finalised and proposals sent to the government for compensation and negotiations. Formal acquisition will follow soon after.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi called the overwhelming support “a crucial milestone for the project’s success” and assured that valuation and acquisition would be completed swiftly.
The Purandar International Airport is seen as vital for handling Pune’s growing air traffic. The project is expected to create jobs, attract investments, boost tourism, and drive industrial growth. For farmers, giving consent is not just about land transfer but also about contributing to the region’s development.
In the past, the airport plan faced resistance and agitations. This year, however, the administration adopted a transparent consent process and engaged farmers directly, which helped reduce opposition significantly. With most landowners now on board, the project that has long been a dream for Pune district is inching closer to reality.
FAQs
Where will Purandar International Airport be built?
The airport will be built across seven villages in Purandar taluka: Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Pargav, Munjwadi, Khanwadi, Udachiwadi and Vanpuri.
How much land is required for the airport?
A total of 3,000 acres is required, out of which around 200 acres is government land. Over 2,900 acres have already been cleared for acquisition with farmer consent.
Why is the Purandar airport important for Pune?
It is planned as an alternative to handle Pune’s rising air traffic, and is expected to generate jobs, attract investment, boost tourism, and support industrial growth.
What happens next in the acquisition process?
From September 26 to October 20, land measurement will be carried out. After that, land rates will be finalised and proposals will be sent to the state government for compensation and negotiations.
What led to high farmer participation this year?
The district administration directly engaged with farmers, held open meetings, and adopted a transparent consent process, which helped build trust and reduce opposition.
