Pune Airport Expansion Gets Major Boost After Rajnath Singh-Mohol Meeting; Action Ordered on Key Issues
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
New Delhi/Pune, 10th June 2026: Several long-pending issues related to the Defence Ministry in Pune are expected to move forward following a meeting between Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
Speaking after the meeting, Mohol said, “Several important issues related to the Defence Ministry that are directly connected to Pune’s development and the interests of its citizens have remained pending for some time. The discussion with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was positive, and he has directed the concerned officials to take the necessary action. I am confident that concrete decisions regarding Pune Airport expansion, the cantonment merger and the concerns of Indiranagar residents will be taken soon, leading to resolution of these long-pending issues.”
During the meeting, Mohol discussed key matters concerning Pune, including the expansion of Pune International Airport, the proposed merger of the Pune and Khadki Cantonment Boards with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and the notices issued by the Indian Air Force to residents of the Indiranagar-Burma Shell Colony in Lohgaon. The Defence Minister reportedly directed concerned officials to take necessary action on these matters, raising hopes of progress on issues that have remained pending for several months.
The meeting was held at the Defence Ministry office in New Delhi, where Mohol primarily raised the issue of Pune Airport’s expansion. A total of 300 acres is proposed to be acquired for the airport’s future development, with the Maharashtra government willing to undertake the entire land acquisition process.
At present, 35 acres of Indian Air Force land adjacent to the Airports Authority of India’s terminal is crucial for the expansion project. Mohol informed the Defence Minister that the state government is prepared to provide the Air Force with 65 acres of land adjoining the same area in exchange for the 35-acre parcel. He requested the Defence Ministry to issue the necessary directions to the Air Force so that the expansion work can proceed at an accelerated pace.
The meeting also focused on the proposed merger of the Pune and Khadki Cantonment Boards with the Pune Municipal Corporation. Mohol pointed out that the Maharashtra government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had submitted a proposal to the Defence Ministry in April 2026 seeking the inclusion of cantonment areas within the PMC limits. He urged the Centre to expedite a favourable decision on the proposal.
Another important issue discussed was the situation in the Indiranagar-Burma Shell Colony at Lohgaon, where the Indian Air Force has served eviction notices to residents. Spread across approximately five acres, the colony comprises around 1,100 to 1,150 houses and is home to nearly 5,500 to 6,000 residents who have been living there since 1980. The area also has several civic amenities, including municipal schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure.
Mohol had earlier raised the issue with the Defence Minister in November 2025. During the latest meeting, discussions were held on finding a coordinated solution through consultations between the Defence Ministry and the Pune Municipal Corporation. Rajnath Singh subsequently directed concerned officials to initiate the necessary follow-up action.
