Pune’s long-delayed greenfield airport project at Purandar is shifting from blueprint to groundwork as state authorities formalise land acquisition and funding plans, marking a pivotal moment for the region’s infrastructure and economic landscape. The renewed pace comes amid administrative directives to complete land assembly and align development agencies, signalling that construction of the Purandar International Airport could begin imminently. This has major implications for Pune’s connectivity, urban expansion and investment appeal.
Senior officials have instructed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to expedite the acquisition of remaining land parcels in seven villages earmarked for the airport, while clarifying roles for the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and the state’s urban development department in coordinating future construction and surrounding development. Completion of surveys, measurement and transfer processes is now being prioritised to unlock subsequent phases of the project.Urban planners and regional economists note that the Purandar project, once operational, will relieve capacity constraints on Pune’s existing airport and support burgeoning air traffic driven by the city’s rapid industrial and service-sector growth. With projected operational commencement by 2029, the new facility is expected to integrate international flight connectivity with logistics and passenger amenities that align with evolving travel demand patterns.
However, accelerating a project of this scale requires careful navigation of socio-economic and environmental considerations. Land acquisition covering more than 2,800 hectares has been a sensitive issue, with authorities adopting a “pass-through method” designed to ensure fair compensation and reduce resistance from farming communities. Nearly 90% of landowners have reportedly given consent, a significant development that strengthens the project’s social licence to proceed while lowering the risk of legal delays.Connectivity planning is also advancing in parallel. Regional transport agencies are developing approximately 61 km of feeder roads to link the proposed airport site to major national highways and urban arteries — a strategy that reflects a people-centred and inclusive infrastructure mindset. Such connective frameworks are crucial for equitable access and for maximising the economic benefits of large-scale transport projects.
For Pune’s wider urban ecosystem, the Purandar airport is more than a transport node. Analysts argue that the project could catalyse industrial clusters, stimulate allied sectors like logistics and tourism, and reshape the real estate landscape across south Pune and neighbouring districts. The airport precinct is anticipated to evolve into a development zone with integrated commercial, residential and technological investments, potentially driving sustained economic opportunity.
Yet several milestones remain — from finalising dedicated budget allocations in upcoming cabinet sessions to executing equitable land transfers and environmental clearances. With these steps underway, the focus now shifts to how stakeholders can balance rapid infrastructural progress with climate resilience and community well-being as Pune prepares for its next phase of growth.
