Pune Greenfield Airport To Accelerate Regional Growth
The Maharashtra government has approved a financing framework to expedite land acquisition for a proposed greenfield airport near Pune, signalling a major step in regional aviation expansion. Officials have sanctioned the mobilisation of roughly ₹6,000 crore through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure to acquire parcels for the Purandar airport, a project poised to reshape transport and industrial connectivity across western India.
The SPV, already operational for the airport project, is structured with multiple state-backed stakeholders: the state infrastructure development agency holds a majority 51% share, while regional industrial and planning authorities hold the remainder in varying proportions. The authorities plan to source funds from a combination of institutional lenders and competitive commercial bids, with loan repayment responsibilities distributed in line with stakeholder equity.
Urban development specialists note that greenfield airports are not just aviation infrastructure; they act as economic catalysts. The Purandar airport is expected to relieve capacity pressures at the city’s existing airport while creating new opportunities for cargo logistics, industrial exports, and regional tourism. Analysts anticipate a multiplier effect on local micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly in warehousing, supply chain services, and agro-based industries, which could see enhanced connectivity to international markets. Financial experts highlight that the choice of financing model is notable. By leveraging a multi-stakeholder SPV, the state aims to limit fiscal exposure while ensuring coordinated execution. This approach also allows for the integration of private lending and institutional finance, potentially accelerating the acquisition timeline. Urban planners, however, caution that accelerated land acquisition must balance developmental goals with environmental and social safeguards, particularly in peri-urban and ecologically sensitive zones around Pune.
Sustainability considerations are increasingly central to India’s new aviation projects. The project’s scale offers an opportunity to embed climate-resilient infrastructure and zero-carbon planning from inception, aligning with broader city-region goals for responsible urban expansion. Experts suggest that airport-linked development could influence surrounding land use patterns, housing demand, and regional transit networks, making early-stage planning crucial for inclusive and equitable growth. The approval reflects Maharashtra’s long-term vision of expanding global air connectivity while fostering regional economic hubs. The next steps involve formalising lender agreements and issuing competitive bids, with a focus on timely land acquisition. For citizens and businesses in Pune and neighbouring districts, the project represents both a transformative infrastructure addition and a test of how large-scale development can align rapid growth with sustainable, inclusive urbanisation.
