Pune’s long-awaited Purandar international airport project has moved closer to its next phase, with the district administration deciding to compulsorily acquire the remaining 40 hectares of land after some farmers refused to give their consent.
The decision, announced in October 2026, follows repeated extensions allowing landowners to agree to the acquisition voluntarily. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has said the administration will begin the compulsory acquisition process in the coming days.
The proposed airport, officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje International Airport, is expected to strengthen Pune’s aviation infrastructure and support the region’s growing industrial, technology and commercial sectors.
1,216 Hectares Required for the Airport
The proposed airport requires approximately 1,216 hectares, equivalent to around 3,000 acres, spread across seven villages in Purandar taluka.
These include Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, Ekhatpur, Pargaon, Munjwadi, Khanwadi and Udachiwadi. According to the district administration, approximately 96% of farmers have agreed to the land acquisition.
However, consent from some landowners in Pargaon remains outstanding. Although 96% of farmers have reportedly agreed, the administration has taken possession of only around 76% of the total land required for the project.
The remaining 40 hectares have become the latest obstacle in completing the acquisition process.
Farmers to Receive ₹1.61 Crore per Acre
The Maharashtra government has announced compensation of ₹1.61 crore per acre for the land being acquired. Landowners are also eligible for separate compensation for trees, wells and existing structures on their properties.
The district administration has reported that approximately ₹4,000 crore has already been credited to farmers’ bank accounts as compensation.
However, the compensation arrangements differ for those whose land is acquired compulsorily. Officials have clarified that these landowners will not receive the additional benefits and facilities offered to farmers who voluntarily agreed to the acquisition.
The decision has sparked continued concerns among the remaining landowners, some of whom have opposed the project and challenged the proposed airport location in court.
Bombay High Court Petition Dismissed
Farmers opposing the project had approached the Bombay High Court, challenging the airport proposal and seeking a change in its location. The district administration has said the court dismissed their petition, removing a significant legal obstacle to the acquisition process.
With voluntary negotiations failing to secure the remaining land, the administration is now preparing to proceed through compulsory acquisition under the applicable legal framework.
Why Purandar Airport Matters for Pune
Pune currently relies heavily on its existing airport at Lohegaon, which operates alongside Indian Air Force facilities. Capacity constraints and growing passenger demand have strengthened the case for a dedicated international airport.
The Purandar project is intended to provide additional capacity for domestic and international flights, improve cargo connectivity and support Pune’s manufacturing, information technology and services industries.
A new airport could also improve connectivity for neighbouring districts and create opportunities in logistics, hospitality, real estate and related businesses. However, these benefits will depend on the project’s approvals, construction schedule and eventual operational capacity.
What Happens Next?
The immediate priority is completing the acquisition of the remaining land. Compulsory acquisition will allow the administration to proceed despite the lack of voluntary consent, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
However, completing land acquisition does not mean the airport is ready for construction or that an opening date has been confirmed. Further planning, approvals, infrastructure development and construction will be required before commercial operations can begin.
For Pune, the latest decision represents progress on a long-delayed infrastructure project, but the next major milestones will be the completion of land acquisition and movement towards construction.
Summary
Pune’s Purandar international airport project has advanced after the district administration decided to compulsorily acquire the remaining 40 hectares of land. The project requires 1,216 hectares across seven villages, with 96% of farmers reportedly consenting and 76% of the land already handed over. Compensation has been set at ₹1.61 crore per acre, but construction and the airport’s opening date remain subject to further progress and approvals.
