Punes Purandar International Airport Project Advances With New Land Deal
Pune’s long-pending Purandar International Airport project has seen a significant breakthrough with the district administration introducing a new, attractive compensation package for land acquisition. This development marks a crucial advancement for the ambitious project, which aims to provide a new international air hub for the region. The revised compensation model is designed to incentivize faster land acquisition and inject new life into the stalled airport development.
Under the newly finalized compensation framework, farmers who voluntarily agree to surrender their land will receive developed plots equivalent to 10 percent of their total surrendered area. These plots are strategically located within a planned ‘AeroCity’ that will be developed adjacent to the proposed airport site. Allotment of these valuable plots will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with approximately 700 acres already earmarked for the AeroCity project. The revised package, which also includes monetary compensation at four times the prevailing market value of the land, was finalized during a high-level meeting held in Mumbai last week.
The land acquisition process will be carried out under the provisions of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) Act, 2019. This act specifies that only farmers who voluntarily consent to part with their land will be eligible for the dual benefit of a developed plot return alongside the monetary compensation. Conversely, those who do not provide voluntary consent will solely receive the monetary compensation at four times the market rate, thereby encouraging early agreement from landowners. This dual-benefit model is expected to significantly accelerate the land acquisition process and help revive the long-stalled project, addressing previous concerns regarding farmer resistance.
Pune’s new international airport is a critical infrastructure project for Maharashtra, poised to boost connectivity and economic activity. The innovative compensation package reflects the administration’s commitment to fair practices and efficient project delivery. By offering developed plots and substantial monetary compensation, the authorities aim to ensure a smoother transition for affected farmers, paving the way for the timely construction of this vital aviation hub.
