Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that Pune City is set to welcome a new international airport at Purandar, with construction slated to commence in 2024. Despite facing challenges such as land acquisition issues and local opposition, progress is underway on the project.
Fadnavis highlighted the recent inauguration of the new terminal at Lohegaon airport, a significant achievement covering 51,595 square meters. The terminal is designed to cater to 12 million passengers annually, a substantial increase from its current capacity of 7.2 million.
Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Conclave Organization hosted by the Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR), Fadnavis expressed confidence that Pune will witness not only the inauguration of a new terminal at the existing airport but also the construction of another airport within the next three to four years. He mentioned that the land acquisition process for the new airport will commence this year and is expected to be finalized by 2024.
The Maharashtra State government is actively working on completing the land acquisition process this year to support the airport’s development. Fadnavis is optimistic that the airport will be completed within the next three to four years. Initially facing challenges and being relocated 20 kilometers away, the Purandar airport project returned to its original location, which has significantly improved its progress. With all necessary approvals from the defense ministry secured, the Purandar site is now poised to meet Pune’s growing aviation demands.
Pune is gearing up for enhanced air travel facilities, and the upcoming international airport is anticipated to foster development by providing improved services and increased convenience for passengers within the next three to four years.