Purandar Airport: Protests Erupt In Pune's Saswad Over Land Acquisition

Days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to initiate the land acquisition process for the proposed international airport at Purandar in Pune, protests have erupted in Saswad regarding the land acquisition.

According to a report by Punekar News, villagers affected by the proposed Pune International Airport in Purandar staged a protest outside the Panchayat Samiti office in Saswad.

Villagers, holding black flags and placards, expressed their concerns about the land acquisition, insufficient compensation for farmers, and the potential environmental and socio-economic consequences of the airport.

Purandar airport

The airport, since its announcement, has been embroiled in controversy. Set to be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the proposed Purandar international airport is seen as a response to the growing operational challenges at the existing Lohegaon airport, which also serves as a base for the Indian Air Force. Initially, Chakan was considered as the location for the new airport, but due to local protests, the plan was shelved. Purandar was then selected as the alternative, offering more space and fewer objections.

Once completed, the airport is poised to significantly enhance Pune's infrastructure, connectivity, and its role as a major hub for commerce, tourism, and international travel.

In a recent high-level meeting, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to initiate the land acquisition process for the proposed international airport at Purandar in Pune district this month. The goal is to complete the land acquisition by June.

The announcement came after a review meeting with Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, who joined Chief Minister Fadnavis in Mumbai. The new airport, expected to be operational by March 2029, will be a crucial solution to meet Pune's increasing air traffic demand.