Purandar Airport and Ring Roads Move Forward as Land Acquisition Progresses

The district administration has launched an extensive land acquisition drive for the proposed international airport in Purandar, which is expected to bolster the region’s growth.

This comes as part of a broader initiative that includes the construction of two major ring roads – one being developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the other by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The government has set an ambitious target for the completion of land acquisition for the airport by October 2025, with ongoing discussions and negotiations with residents and farmers in seven villages of Purandar taluka. According to the Pune district authorities, the process for the acquisition of land has already commenced in earnest, with 90% of the land for the MSRDC Ring Road already secured. Meanwhile, preparations for acquiring land for the PMRDA Ring Road are gaining significant momentum.

Officials overseeing the land acquisition process have assured that all efforts will be taken to ensure fair compensation for the residents who will be impacted by these large-scale projects. The land acquisition notification has been issued by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and funds for joint land measurement have been allocated to the district collectorate, setting the stage for swift execution. While the project promises long-term benefits in terms of connectivity and growth, it has also stirred up local concerns, particularly regarding compensation and the rapid transformation of rural landscapes. For farmers and villagers whose livelihoods are tied to the land, the prospect of losing their agricultural assets has raised questions about the future of their communities.

The land acquisition process, although well underway, has not been without challenges. Villagers and farmers are being engaged in detailed discussions about the land that will be acquired and the compensation they will receive. These discussions have so far taken place in four of the seven villages, with further meetings scheduled in the coming weeks to ensure that all parties are informed of the process and the terms of compensation. The local government is keen to ensure that the affected residents are aware of their rights and are advised not to sell their land to middlemen. The officials have reassured the communities that the government will offer the most competitive compensation as per the Land Acquisition Act, promising a fair and transparent process.

However, the ongoing process has highlighted one of the major pitfalls in large-scale infrastructure development: the challenge of balancing progress with social equity. While the need for a modern international airport and improved infrastructure is undeniable, the well-being of local residents must also remain a priority. The acquisition process continues to be a balancing act, as the district authorities seek to manage public sentiment while ensuring the success of the project. Another key aspect of the infrastructure overhaul in Pune is the development of the ring roads, which are poised to ease congestion and enhance connectivity in and around the city. The MSRDC Ring Road project is already seeing progress, with 90% of the required land already acquired. This milestone satisfies the conditions for the commencement of work on the road. Officials have stated that construction will begin in earnest in select areas, with a goal to complete the ring road in approximately two-and-a-half years.

The PMRDA Ring Road project, which is similarly aimed at reducing traffic congestion and boosting regional connectivity, is also progressing. Land acquisition for the PMRDA road began in March 2025, with a three-month timeline for completion. Once the acquisition process is finalised, construction will commence immediately. These projects are expected to not only improve urban mobility but also attract investment and enhance economic opportunities in the region. The ambitious plans for the international airport, along with the two ring roads, form part of Pune’s broader vision to become a major economic hub in western India. The airport, in particular, is expected to transform Purandar into a major logistics and tourism destination, positioning the city as a key player in both domestic and international travel. Furthermore, the improved ring roads will offer crucial links to other cities, thus catalysing regional development and reducing the dependency on overcrowded city roads.

However, the scale and speed of these projects also raise important questions about the environmental and social sustainability of such rapid urbanisation. In an age where eco-friendly solutions are more important than ever, the development of these projects should be undertaken with due consideration for the environment. The potential ecological impact of both the airport and the ring roads cannot be overlooked. To this end, it will be essential for the authorities to ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of the planning process, integrating green technologies, renewable energy sources, and efficient waste management systems into the development of these projects. Additionally, with the growing demand for land in and around Pune, it will be critical for the state to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate the long-term environmental effects of urban expansion. The creation of green spaces and the preservation of natural resources must be central to the planning and execution of such large-scale infrastructure projects.

With the groundwork now laid for the completion of both the Purandar international airport and the ring roads, Pune is poised for a future defined by enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and urban transformation. However, as the acquisition process moves forward, it is crucial that the authorities maintain a focus on social equity, ensuring that the benefits of these projects are felt across all segments of society. The next six months will be pivotal in determining the pace of the land acquisition process, and in the coming years, the region will see the fruits of these massive infrastructure undertakings. Yet, balancing development with sustainability, fairness, and community well-being will be key to ensuring that the benefits of these projects are realised for everyone.

Purandar Airport and Ring Roads Move Forward as Land Acquisition Progresses