The proposed Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje International Airport at Purandar, near Pune, is moving closer to its implementation stage, with the Maharashtra government preparing to initiate the tendering process. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has indicated that the project tender will be floated soon, as land acquisition for the greenfield airport has reached nearly 80% of the total requirement.
Of the 1,216 hectares identified for the airport project, approximately 973 hectares have been acquired so far. The district administration is currently undertaking the process of taking possession of the acquired land. The development marks progress in the state’s efforts to advance the long-pending airport project, which is expected to strengthen aviation infrastructure and support Pune’s growing transportation requirements.
Speaking to The Times of India, Fadnavis said the land acquisition process had been completed swiftly by the district collector and administration. He added that the process of taking possession of the acquired land was underway and that the overall progress remained smooth.
Tender Process for Purandar International Airport Expected Soon
The Maharashtra government is preparing to move forward with the next phase of the Purandar airport project. According to the Chief Minister, the tender for the project will be issued soon. However, the state government has not yet announced a confirmed date for issuing the tender or appointing the agency responsible for executing the airport development.
A land acquisition official also indicated that there was no confirmed schedule for these steps.
The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), the state agency overseeing the project, had earlier invited bids for the appointment of a consultant. The selected consultant will be responsible for preparing a comprehensive techno-economic feasibility report and overseeing the process of selecting a private partner for the airport’s development.
The feasibility report will help establish the project’s technical and financial requirements and provide a framework for the participation of a private development partner.
The appointment of the consultant and completion of the associated planning activities are expected to support the next stages of project implementation.
Land Acquisition Reaches 973 Hectares
Land acquisition remains one of the major components of the Purandar airport project. The proposed greenfield airport requires a total of 1,216 hectares, of which approximately 973 hectares, representing nearly 80% of the requirement, have been acquired.
The district administration has now started taking possession of the acquired land. According to Fadnavis, the acquisition process was completed at a rapid pace through coordination between the district collector and the administration.
The remaining land acquisition and possession-related activities will be important for preparing the site for construction and subsequent infrastructure development.
The state government had previously indicated that construction work on the airport would begin in December 2026. However, the commencement of construction will depend on the completion of the necessary procedural steps, including land possession, project planning and the appointment of the executing agency.
No specific timeline has yet been confirmed for the tender issuance or selection of the project developer.
Pune Metro Network to Provide Connectivity to Purandar Airport
The proposed airport is also expected to be integrated with Pune’s expanding public transportation network. Chief Minister Fadnavis recently stated that Pune’s planned Metro network would eventually extend to approximately 120 km once all proposed corridors are completed.
The expanded Metro network is expected to provide connectivity to Purandar airport, improving access for passengers travelling from different parts of Pune and surrounding areas.
The proposed integration of the airport with the Metro network is part of the broader transportation planning for the region. Improved connectivity between the airport, residential areas and commercial centres could support passenger movement and reduce dependence on road-based transport.
The development of supporting transport infrastructure will be important for ensuring convenient access to the airport once it becomes operational.
Purandar Airport to Support Pune’s Aviation Infrastructure
The proposed Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje International Airport is expected to add capacity to Pune’s aviation infrastructure and support the region’s long-term transportation requirements.
With nearly 80% of the required land acquired and the possession process underway, the project is progressing towards its next implementation stages. The upcoming tender process, consultant appointment and selection of a private development partner will determine the pace of further progress.
The planned airport, along with the proposed expansion of Pune’s Metro network to 120 km, is expected to form part of the city’s broader infrastructure development programme. However, the project will require completion of the remaining land-related procedures and statutory approvals before construction can proceed as planned.
