Pune’s long-awaited Purandar International Airport project has received renewed momentum as more than 950 farmers from seven villages have provided consent for land acquisition, signalling a significant breakthrough for the development. District officials confirmed that 1,160 acres have already been committed, marking a turning point for the project which has faced years of delays due to stiff opposition from local landowners.
The process of securing consent began on August 25, with officials reporting an overwhelming response in the first two days. More than 750 farmers signed up on the first day alone, offering over 1,000 acres of land. By the following day, another 160 farmers added 191 acres, taking the total beyond 1,160 acres. Authorities emphasised that this progress accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the revised land requirement, raising hopes that the airport could finally take shape. The original plan required 2,673 hectares, but intense farmer protests prompted the government to scale it down to 1,285 hectares. The revised strategy aims to balance infrastructure development with local concerns. Officials are confident that with more farmers expected to join in the coming weeks, the project is steadily moving closer to reality.
To incentivise participation, the government is offering landowners four times the prevailing market value along with developed plots under the rehabilitation policy of the state’s industrial development corporation. However, this enhanced package is reserved for those who provide consent within the stipulated 21-day period, ending September 18. Priority allocation will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging prompt decision-making among landholders. District offices in Saswad and Pune have been designated as collection centres, operating daily between 10 am and 5 pm, where farmers can submit their consent forms. Officials have urged landowners to make use of the window of opportunity, assuring them of fair compensation and rehabilitation.
Urban development experts say the progress reflects a shift in the outlook of local communities, with many beginning to see the long-term economic potential of such large-scale projects. The Purandar Airport is projected to decongest Pune’s existing Lohegaon airport, attract new investments, and enhance regional connectivity. Analysts argue that airports, when developed sustainably, can serve as catalysts for eco-friendly growth, creating jobs and strengthening logistics without overburdening existing urban infrastructure. Yet, challenges remain. The delicate balance between infrastructure expansion and preserving agricultural livelihoods will continue to shape the project’s trajectory. Observers note that ensuring transparent communication, sustainable planning, and equitable rehabilitation will be crucial for maintaining trust with local communities.
For now, the rising farmer participation has given the Purandar Airport project fresh momentum. If the trend continues, the ambitious plan could soon cross critical thresholds, marking a decisive step towards Pune’s transformation into a future-ready aviation hub.
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