Pune: MIDC to Raise Rs 3,500 Crore for Purandar Airport Land Acquisition
Pune, 15th March 2025: The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) plans to raise approximately ₹3,500 crore through private agencies to facilitate land acquisition for the long-delayed Purandar greenfield airport project. The process will cover 2,753 hectares spread across seven villages in Purandar tehsil, which were officially notified as part of a 2,823-hectare industrial zone on March 10 under the MIDC Act.
A senior official from the state industries department confirmed that an additional 70 hectares would be acquired from the forest department, bringing the total land requirement for the airport project to 2,823 hectares. “We are engaging financial institutions to help fund the land acquisition process, which is estimated to cost between ₹3,000 crore and ₹3,500 crore,” the official stated.
Land Acquisition Notification and Restrictions
The latest notification, issued by Joint Secretary S.L. Pulkundwar, details survey numbers for all seven villages—Vanpuri, Kumbharvalan, Udhachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjavadi, Khanvadi, and Pargaon. “The industrial zone declaration came into effect from March 7, marking a critical step in reviving the long-pending international airport project,” the official added.
The notification prohibits any land transactions or changes in ownership within the designated area. “We have communicated these restrictions to the property registration department to prevent unauthorized land deals,” a source in the administration said.
Government’s Assurance on Fast-Tracking the Project
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating the project. “As promised in the January meeting, we have expedited this airport project. MIDC will oversee the land acquisition using its own funds, and we aim to complete the process within a year. The project remains on schedule, and the detailed project report (DPR) is also being prepared,” he said.
Before finalizing land acquisition and compensation, the administration will conduct hearings to address concerns from landowners and other stakeholders. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudy will oversee the process through designated land acquisition officers. “We aim to resolve all procedural aspects and declare the final compensation by early next year so that construction can commence after May 2026,” an industries department official said.
Protests Against Land Acquisition
Despite government assurances, the Vimantal Virodhi Sangharsh Samiti, a group opposing the airport, has raised strong objections to the industrial zone notification. “We will resist any move to surrender our irrigated farmlands. MIDC has a history of failing to provide fair compensation, and we cannot trust them to do justice in this case. We will take up this issue with the state government,” said Jitendra Memane, a representative of the group.
The notification came as a surprise to many opposition members, especially since the state budget presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar on March 10 did not mention the Purandar airport project.
Political Push for the Airport
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, who has been involved in high-level discussions on the project, confirmed that MIDC will handle the initial land acquisition costs. “Once MIDC secures the land, we will determine the state’s financial contribution,” he said.
Mohol emphasized that the project is crucial for Pune’s growth. “Pune is expanding rapidly, and air traffic is increasing. While the current airport is well-equipped, we need Purandar airport to accommodate future demand and strengthen the region’s connectivity,” he added.
The project, stalled for over six years, is now seeing renewed momentum with the latest government decisions. However, the real challenge lies in addressing landowners’ concerns and executing a smooth land acquisition process.
