Pune/Mumbai: The long-awaited Purandar International Airport project is poised to progress, with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) soon commencing land acquisition. Authorities have set a timeline to complete the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the airport by September, aiming for the facility to become operational by March 2029.

The proposed airport, envisioned to serve Pune and surrounding regions, is a key infrastructure initiative that has faced several delays in the past. However, with renewed focus and planning, the project is now expected to move forward swiftly. The Maharashtra government, in coordination with MIDC, is overseeing the execution of the project, ensuring timely land acquisition and the preparation of essential documentation.

Officials have expressed confidence that with the DPR scheduled for completion by September, the groundwork for the airport will be in place to meet the operational target of March 2029. The Purandar International Airport is expected to significantly boost connectivity and economic activity in the region.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued directives to expedite land acquisition for the proposed Purandar International Airport. A review meeting on the status of airport construction projects across Maharashtra was held at the Sahyadri Guest House under Fadnavis' leadership. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, along with senior officials.

The initial groundwork for the Purandar airport project began in 2016, when a site was identified in Munjawadi and Pargaon Memane villages in Purandar taluka. Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) was appointed as the nodal agency to oversee the project.

Based on subsequent surveys, the project will involve the acquisition of 2,832 hectares of land across seven villages in Purandar taluka, namely Pargaon Memane, Khanwadi, Munjawadi, Ekhatpur, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, and Udachiwadi. The Maharashtra Airport Development Authority has also been designated as the special planning authority for the initiative.

In 2018, the Ministry of Defence provided a no-objection certificate for the identified site. In 2022, the state government instructed the Airport Development Authority to forward the land acquisition proposal and supporting documents to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). In December 2022, a report estimated that ₹4,285 crore would be required for the land acquisition process.