Pune Purandar Airport Land Acquisition Nears Completion

Pune: Land acquisition for the proposed Purandar Airport has entered its final phase, with the Pune district administration setting 31 July as the deadline for voluntary agreements before compulsory acquisition procedures begin. The move marks a significant milestone for one of Maharashtra’s largest aviation infrastructure projects, while also raising fresh attention to balancing regional connectivity with fair land transition for affected communities.

According to district officials, agreements have already been completed for nearly 90 per cent of the land required for the airport project. Of the total 1,216 hectares identified across seven villages in Purandar taluka, acquisition agreements have been signed for approximately 1,101 hectares. Officials said the remaining parcels are either under legal review or awaiting consent from landowners. Authorities indicated that around 40 hectares are currently subject to proceedings before the High Court, leaving nearly 75 hectares available for settlement before the July deadline. Officials have clarified that land not acquired through mutual agreement within the stipulated period may be acquired under statutory provisions. Landowners choosing the compulsory acquisition route will not receive the additional benefit of a developed land parcel that is currently being offered under the negotiated settlement model. The Purandar Airport project is expected to strengthen aviation capacity for the Pune metropolitan region, which has witnessed sustained growth in passenger traffic, industrial investment and logistics demand. Urban planners believe an additional airport could ease long-term pressure on the existing civil aviation infrastructure while improving regional connectivity across western Maharashtra.

District authorities stated that compensation payments are progressing alongside acquisition. More than half of the approved compensation has already been transferred directly to eligible landowners. Around ₹2,150 crore has been released so far for the acquisition exercise, while an additional allocation is expected shortly to support the remaining settlements and expedite project implementation. Officials also said the administration has initiated advisory measures to encourage affected landowners to make informed financial decisions after receiving compensation. Such efforts aim to reduce economic uncertainty during the transition and support long-term livelihood planning for farming households impacted by the infrastructure project. Infrastructure experts note that timely land acquisition remains one of the most critical stages of major transport developments in India. Delays often lead to cost escalations, prolonged litigation and uncertainty for both residents and project authorities. Completing this phase through negotiated settlements wherever possible can help minimise disputes while allowing construction activities to progress according to schedule.

As the deadline approaches, the focus will shift towards concluding the remaining agreements, resolving pending legal matters and preparing the site for the next stages of development. The pace at which these processes are completed will determine how quickly the proposed airport moves from planning to construction, shaping the future of regional mobility and economic growth around Pune.

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Pune Purandar Airport Land Acquisition Nears Completion