Pune: The long-pending Purandar international airport project is set to move forward, with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) likely to release funds for land acquisition next week.
Senior officials said financial arrangements are in the final stage. The required funds have been secured, and there are no major hurdles left. Once the amount is released to the district administration, ground-level work will begin.
The state government has allowed MIDC to raise around ₹6,000 crore to acquire nearly 3,000 acres of land in seven villages of Purandar taluka. These include Pargaon, Khanwadi, Munjawadi, Ekhatpur, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri and Udachiwadi.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the next steps depend on the release of funds. He said that once the money is received, the government will announce land rates and start signing sale agreements. He added that more than 90 per cent of landowners have already given their consent.
However, some farmers have raised concerns over delays. A landowner from Khanwadi said people have been attending meetings for months but are still waiting for clarity on compensation. Another farmer from Pargaon said the community is ready to cooperate but expects fair rates and timely payments.
Officials plan to speed up the process by carrying out sale transactions in all seven villages at the same time. The steps will include finalising compensation rates, identifying land records, signing agreements, releasing payments and updating land documents.
The state has also approved MIDC to take loans from financial institutions like HUDCO to arrange the funds. The project will impact around 8,500 landowners. Out of the total land, a large portion is reserved for the airport, while some land will be given back as developed plots to affected families.
The administration is aiming to complete the land acquisition process by the end of May. However, officials say it may extend till June depending on procedures.
