The state government has formally initiated the land acquisition process for the much-anticipated Purandar airport project.
The move comes after months of procedural delays, with the government publishing official orders appointing three land acquisition officers, a measure expected to streamline the acquisition of nearly 2,674 hectares of land across seven villages in Pune district. The appointments have been finalised through a gazette notification released by the state’s department of industries, energy, labour, and mining. These designated officers will now lead acquisition efforts in Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Munjawadi, Khanwadi, and Pargaon—villages that collectively comprise the proposed site for the greenfield international airport.
According to officials from the Pune district administration, two officers will oversee land acquisition in three villages each, while one officer has been assigned a single village. The administration clarified that the appointments were made with the objective of expediting the groundwork for acquisition, a necessary prerequisite under the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Additionally, provisions under Section 32(2) of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Act will be enforced, ensuring all stakeholders are duly notified and consulted. The process will begin with formal notices issued to individuals who may claim interest in the specified land parcels. The next stage will involve comprehensive land measurement and drone surveys to assess the land’s current usage—whether agricultural, irrigated, or inclusive of built structures such as wells, houses, or trees. This classification will be instrumental in determining fair compensation values.
Officials emphasised that the state government aims to conduct the process with the cooperation of landowners wherever possible. However, in instances where consent is not forthcoming, the acquisition will proceed under legal mandates. This dual approach seeks to uphold transparency while adhering to development timelines crucial to Maharashtra’s long-term economic agenda. The landowners have been assured that compensation will reflect four times the market value of their land, supplemented by additional benefits. This offer is in alignment with national compensation guidelines and is designed to alleviate concerns among the farming community, many of whom rely on this land for their livelihoods. While exact compensation structures are yet to be published, the administration has reiterated its commitment to fairness and sustainability.
Stakeholders in the district believe that this long-delayed infrastructure project has the potential to catalyse regional growth. Once operational, the Purandar airport is expected to decongest Pune’s current airport, which has reached near-saturation capacity. It also aligns with Maharashtra’s broader push to expand its transport and logistics infrastructure to accommodate growing urbanisation and industrialisation in and around Pune. Experts in urban planning and transport economics say that airports like Purandar can act as engines of economic development, stimulating employment, local investment, and eco-friendly growth—provided planning integrates sustainable urban design. While any greenfield development raises environmental concerns, the implementation of drone surveys and compensation-linked biodiversity assessments could be used to mitigate ecological disruption.
Moreover, the state’s move towards timely appointment of officers signals a renewed urgency in moving the project beyond the planning stage. The government has also issued a public appeal encouraging landowners to cooperate and participate in the acquisition process, suggesting a more conciliatory tone compared to past state-led land takeovers, which have sometimes sparked protests. The initiative comes amid growing pressure on states to enhance regional connectivity and reduce dependence on major urban airports. With increasing demand for domestic and international travel, particularly from industrial hubs like Pune, the Purandar airport holds strategic value both for commercial aviation and as a node in Maharashtra’s broader development blueprint.
Although several villagers await clarity on how individual land values will be appraised, officials have promised full transparency. Notices related to land measurement and compensation calculation will be sent in advance, and joint meetings will be organised to address concerns raised by affected communities. The drone survey will serve not only as a tool for land classification but also as a benchmark to ensure data-backed valuation. With the appointment of land acquisition officers and operationalisation of field activities, the Purandar airport project has moved one step closer to breaking ground. The success of this phase could set a precedent for how major infrastructure projects can be executed in a participatory, legally sound, and environmentally conscious manner.
As Maharashtra charts its trajectory towards becoming a logistics and transport hub, the Purandar airport’s progress will remain under close watch—both as a marker of infrastructural capacity and as a litmus test of the state’s approach to equitable urban transformation.
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/shirdi-airport-sets-new-standards-in-aviation-infrastructure/
