Pune, 19 September 2025: The long-delayed Purandar International Airport project has taken a major step forward, as the Maharashtra government has formally approved the acquisition of 2,823 hectares of land across seven villages using the ‘pass-through method.’
Nearly 90% of farmers have given their consent, with the Pune district administration securing crucial landowner approvals on Thursday, the final day for submitting assent letters. This milestone is expected to accelerate the development of the much-anticipated greenfield airport near Pune.
As reported by the Times of India, around 2,800 farmers from seven villages including Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, and Kumbharvalan have submitted consent letters for about 2,700 acres of the 3,000 acres needed for the Purandar Airport project.
Uday Samant, the State Industrial Minister, recently held a high-level committee meeting to deliberate on land acquisition for the Purandar Airport. He sanctioned the commencement of the land acquisition process employing the 'pass through method,' similar to the strategy used for the Samruddhi Mahamarg.
About the Purandar Airport
The Purandar International Airport project, proposed as Pune’s new international airport after the Chakan plan was shelved, is steadily moving forward under the supervision of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). The government has earmarked approximately 2,823 hectares across seven villages in Purandar taluka 2,753 hectares declared as an 'industrial area' and 70 hectares to be acquired from the forest department.
Surveys began in late September 2025, with formal acquisition set for November and construction scheduled to start by May 2026. The airport is expected to become operational by 2029. The total cost for land acquisition is estimated between ₹4,500 crore to ₹6,000 crore, with MIDC planning to raise ₹3,500 crore through private agencies.
What is the 'Pass Through Method'
The “pass-through method” is a land acquisition approach utilized by the Maharashtra government, particularly for large-scale infrastructure projects like the Purandar International Airport. This method aims to ensure fair compensation for landowners while facilitating the development of industrial or infrastructural projects.
Under this approach, land is acquired from farmers at four times the ready reckoner rates, which are the official government rates for property valuation.
Some officials report that the resistance from a group of farmers against the airport project appears to be waning. The government has proposed a compensation package for farmers who voluntarily relinquish their land, offering four times the market value, plus an additional 10% of developed land in the proposed Aero City and other benefits. Those who refuse will have their land acquired by force.
For small landowners, the government has suggested forming collective companies to allow them to jointly benefit from the compensation and development package. While many farmers are pleased with the offer, some are asking for further improvements.