The proposed international airport in Purandar taluka has gained remarkable support from the local farming community. Around 94% of landowners from seven villages have agreed to part with their land, showing a high level of cooperation with the district administration. This breakthrough has been achieved through sustained outreach and counselling efforts, which successfully addressed farmers’ doubts and highlighted the benefits of the project. The airport, covering 3,000 acres, is set to bring a new chapter of development for the region, with both farmers and officials working together to ensure its success.
The project spans across the villages of Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Pargav, Munjwadi, Khanwadi, Udachiwadi and Vanpuri. Of the total area, about 200 acres already belong to the government, while over 2,900 acres have now been offered by private landowners. This near-complete acquisition marks a significant milestone in the airport’s planning stage. With such strong local backing, the initiative is closer than ever to being implemented smoothly.
The consent drive began on August 25 under the leadership of Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi. Officials and land acquisition coordinators set up camp in Saswad to hold direct meetings with farmers. This personal approach helped address individual concerns, explain compensation plans and build confidence in the project’s future benefits. By September 18, 90 per cent of landowners had already agreed to sell their land, demonstrating the effectiveness of transparent communication.
On the request of some farmers and village leaders, the administration extended the deadline for giving consent to September 25. This extension proved valuable, as it pushed the consent rate to an impressive 94 per cent. Officials now expect the process to move swiftly into the next phase. Starting September 26, land measurement will begin and continue until October 20, after which compensation rates will be finalised and proposals sent to the government.
Once the measurement and valuation work is completed, formal acquisition will begin without major delays. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi noted that the trust shown by the farmers is a crucial milestone. The administration aims to carry out the remaining procedures in a systematic and time-bound manner so that the project can start contributing to regional growth at the earliest possible date.
The Purandar airport project is seen as a key driver of economic and social progress for both Pune district and Maharashtra as a whole. It is expected to ease the rising air traffic pressure on Pune city, create jobs, attract new investments, boost tourism and accelerate industrial growth. Farmers’ support reflects not just consent for land acquisition but also their willingness to be part of the region’s collective progress. Transparent engagement and dialogue have turned earlier opposition into cooperation, making the dream of Purandar airport a reality.
