Pune: State Govt Clears Rs65cr First Phase of Baramati Airstrip Revamp
Pune, 30th October 2026: Nearly nine months after a plane crash at Baramati airstrip claimed the lives of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the state government on Thursday approved the first phase of a Rs65-crore upgrade aimed at improving runway safety and airport infrastructure.
The January 28 crash brought the airstrip’s safety infrastructure under scrutiny and prompted the state government to announce a series of upgrades, including facilities for night landings, in its budget. The latest approval marks the first step towards implementing the proposed improvements.
The work, to be undertaken by Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd (MADC), will include resurfacing the runway, developing runway safety areas, ground grading and constructing a boundary wall. An air traffic control tower and a prefabricated technical block will also be built.
The plan further includes a fire station, emergency room and CCTV surveillance network.
MADC vice-chairman and managing director Deepak Kapoor said the company would float tenders on Friday to appoint a consultant to expedite the project.
