Pune, 24 December 2025: The long-pending land acquisition process for the proposed Pune–Purandar airport has moved a major step forward after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved key demands raised by local farmers. The decision clears the way for actual land acquisition to begin in the new year.
The airport will come up across seven villages in Purandar taluka, for which around 3,000 acres of land will be acquired. Farmers had strongly opposed the earlier compensation package announced by the state government, demanding higher rates and additional benefits similar to other major infrastructure projects in Maharashtra.
To address these concerns, a high-level meeting was held in the presence of the Chief Minister. Farmers from all seven villages attended the meeting along with Industries Minister Uday Samant, MLA Vijay Shivtare, and Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi.
Initially, the government had fixed compensation at ₹1 crore per acre. Farmers demanded that the rate be increased in line with land acquisition for projects such as Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Samruddhi Expressway.
They also sought a higher land return instead of the proposed 10%, partnership in the airport company, and reassessment of compensation for houses and trees affected by the project.
Accepting these demands, Chief Minister Fadnavis assured farmers that the highest possible compensation would be given by applying provisions of the Land Acquisition Acts of 2013 and 2019.
He also agreed to provide additional land return beyond 10%, offer farmers a stake in the airport company, and conduct a fresh valuation of affected homes and trees. Farmers who lose houses will be provided homes within the proposed Aerocity, along with permission to use additional FSI and TDR.
Speaking after the meeting, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the discussion was crucial from the land acquisition perspective. He confirmed that all major demands raised by farmers had been accepted and that the revised compensation proposal would be placed before the state Cabinet. Once approved, land acquisition would formally begin in January.
Meanwhile, consent letters for around 40 hectares of land are still pending. The administration has decided to give these landowners another opportunity. If consent is submitted within the stipulated time, they will receive all announced benefits. Otherwise, the government will proceed with compulsory land acquisition.
