Maharashtra to Upgrade Baramati Airport After Fatal Crash; CM Fadnavis Announces Safety Overhaul
Mumbai/Baramati, 5th February 2026: In the wake of last month’s fatal aircraft crash near Baramati that claimed the lives of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a comprehensive infrastructure and safety upgrade of Baramati airport.
The January 28 accident, involving a chartered aircraft during landing, has triggered serious concerns over safety preparedness at smaller and relatively uncontrolled airstrips across the state. Preliminary assessments have indicated that a runway approach misjudgement, coupled with the lack of advanced navigational and monitoring systems, may have contributed to the crash. The tragedy has since intensified demands for a statewide aviation safety audit, particularly of regional airstrips and Flight Training Organisations (FTOs).
CM Fadnavis confirmed that the state government has decided to proceed with a major development plan for the Baramati facility. The project will be implemented by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC).
“The runway will be strengthened, modern navigation systems will be installed, and air traffic monitoring will be upgraded to improve operational safety,” Fadnavis said, emphasising the government’s commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future.
Baramati airport, known for its tabletop runway, was transferred from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to MADC last year. Officials indicated that authorities may either prepare a fresh Detailed Project Report (DPR) or revise the earlier proposal submitted by MIDC to incorporate enhanced safety features.
Aviation specialists point out that India has seen a steady rise in charter and non-scheduled flight operations, many of which now use smaller regional airports. This trend has increased pressure on infrastructure that was not originally designed for higher traffic volumes.
Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation analyst, said routine inspections alone are not enough. “There is a need for more frequent checks and stronger enforcement by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) against safety violations,” he noted. He also stressed the importance of strict oversight of pilot training standards and aircraft maintenance.
Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, echoed the concern, calling for tighter audits at uncontrolled airfields, flying academies, and private operators to restore public trust in the aviation ecosystem.
Maharashtra has one of the largest networks of regional airports and airstrips in the country, making the issue of aviation safety especially pressing. The Baramati crash has now become a turning point, prompting broader discussions on regulatory vigilance, infrastructure readiness, and emergency response mechanisms beyond major metropolitan hubs.
Officials said the planned Baramati upgrade could serve as a model for safety enhancement at other small airports across the state.
