Pune’s Hadapsar Gliding Centre is set for a proposed redevelopment featuring a heliport, aerial adventure sports facilities and an aviation gallery, after the 250-acre site was transferred from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The AAI is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the historic gliding centre, which is described as the only facility of its kind in the country. The DPR is in its final stage, according to Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who said the eventual use of the site would be determined after the report is completed.
The proposed facilities could expand the site’s role beyond gliding. Plans under consideration include an updated heliport, aviation-related visitor facilities and space for aerial adventure sports. Paramotoring could also be introduced because the centre has a large, level open area suitable for such activities.
The transfer of the property to the AAI places the airport operator at the centre of planning for the site. A final decision on the facilities, their design and the operating framework will follow the completion of the DPR. The report, as described in the source report, has not yet established a construction schedule, project cost or implementation timeline.
The proposed aviation activities will have to operate within Pune’s existing airspace arrangements. The Hadapsar centre is outside Pune airport’s flight funnel zone, according to the report. Gliders currently operating from the site are restricted to an altitude of about 3,000 feet. When helicopters are operating in the area, air traffic control provides instructions to glider operators on their direction and altitude.
These arrangements are intended to prevent interference between gliding activity, helicopter movements and aircraft operations linked to Pune airport. Any future heliport or adventure-sports facility would still require the relevant aviation, safety and operational clearances before it could begin functioning.
A heliport typically includes facilities for helicopter take-off and landing along with passenger handling, hangars, refuelling and air traffic control. Its uses can include private and commercial aviation, tourism, emergency medical services and military operations. The report cited Delhi’s heliport, owned by Pawan Hans, as an existing example spread over 25 acres, with a passenger terminal, four hangars, nine parking bays and a separate air traffic control facility.
For Hadapsar, the proposed redevelopment would bring aviation, recreation and public-facing facilities together on a large urban site. However, the current proposal remains subject to the DPR and subsequent approvals. The next formal milestone is the completion of the detailed project report, after which the AAI and the civil aviation authorities are expected to clarify the site’s final facilities and intended use.
