Land for the proposed Purandar International Airport has been reduced, ensuring no village settlements are displaced.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar assured affected farmers of fair compensation and on-site rehabilitation.
Two major railway projects, Talegaon–Chakan–Uruli and Pune–Ahilyanagar, are planned to ease traffic and boost connectivity around Pune.
Pune, 26 July 2025: The land required for the proposed Purandar International Airport has been significantly reduced from the earlier plan of 2,673 hectares, ensuring that no village settlements are displaced. Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar said that all affected farmers will be rehabilitated at the same location, and no one will be left without support. He also assured them that they will receive fair compensation.
Speaking to the media after a review meeting at the government rest house, Pawar said the airport will be planned keeping in mind the next hundred years and will only move forward with farmers’ cooperation. The current Lohegaon airport falls under the Defence Ministry and has several limitations, which is why land near Saswad in Purandar taluka has been identified for the new international airport.
Initially, land from seven villages was to be acquired, but with the revised plan, no village settlements (gaonthans) will be affected. District officials are now working to ensure that affected farmers can continue to farm nearby, and rehabilitation will be done in the same region. Pawar urged villagers not to misinterpret the project and clarified that all necessary care will be taken.
The new airport will feature two runways, a cargo hub, and both domestic and international flight services. It is expected to serve Pune, Ahilyanagar, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Solapur districts, making it a significant regional transport hub.
Major Railway Projects to Decongest Pune Traffic
Alongside the airport announcement, Pawar also revealed plans for two major railway projects: the Talegaon–Chakan–Uruli and Pune–Ahilyanagar rail lines. District officials have been instructed to facilitate the necessary land acquisition.
The first project is expected to be completed in four years, and the second in five years. These routes will help decongest traffic in and around Pune and boost rail connectivity to key areas.
The Talegaon route will connect Talegaon to Chakan, then to Wagholi, Uruli, and finally to Solapur–Pune Road. Another line will branch out towards the Miraj Railway line. The project will include two new stations, New Talegaon Station and Uruli Station, and will span approximately 75 km in total.
These infrastructure projects are set to transform regional transportation and provide long-term solutions to Pune’s growing urban and industrial demands.
