The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved a major financial decision to raise a ₹6,000 crore loan to fund the development of the Purandar Greenfield Airport near Pune. The move marks a significant step forward in the state’s aviation infrastructure push and reinforces Purandar’s position as a key future air connectivity hub.
The loan will support land acquisition, runway construction, terminal facilities and other essential infrastructure for what is projected to be one of western India’s largest airports once completed.
Why the Purandar Airport Project Matters
The Purandar Greenfield Airport is envisioned as a next-generation aviation centre to support rising passenger and cargo demand in and around Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing economic and industrial regions. Current capacity constraints at the existing Pune International Airport have prompted authorities to accelerate plans for a larger, modern facility that can handle future traffic projections.
Once operational, the Purandar airport is expected to:
- Reduce pressure on Pune’s current airport
- Enhance regional and international connectivity
- Attract investment and boost economic activity
- Create jobs in aviation, logistics, tourism and allied sectors
The project is also seen as vital for supporting the state’s strategic development goals in the Maharashtra Aviation and Aerospace Policy.
Loan Structure and Funding Strategy
To finance key phases of the airport project, the state government has decided to raise a long-term loan of ₹6,000 crore. This funding will be used for:
- Land acquisition for runway and terminal expansion
- Construction of runway, taxiways, aprons and control towers
- Passenger and cargo terminal buildings
- Ancillary infrastructure such as fuel facilities, access roads and utilities
Officials say the loan will be raised through a combination of state-level financing mechanisms and infrastructure bonds, ensuring that cash flow for ongoing construction remains uninterrupted.
Boost to Regional Aviation and Economy
By securing the loan approval, the Maharashtra government has signalled a stronger push toward making the Purandar airport project financially viable and ready for execution. The new airport is expected to:
- Help decongest air traffic from major hubs
- Facilitate quicker travel for business and leisure passengers
- Support cargo traffic growth, especially for high-value goods
- Spur real estate and industrial development in surrounding districts
A modern airport here could attract new airlines, expand flight networks, and make Pune more competitive on the global travel map.
Challenges and Implementation Outlook
While the funding nod is critical, the project still faces typical greenfield challenges such as land acquisition obstacles, environmental clearances, and coordination among multiple agencies. Government officials have emphasised that timely execution, transparent tendering and project management will be priority areas in the coming months.
Once these hurdles are addressed, construction work is expected to intensify and project timelines should become clearer.
