Big Boost to Pune Airport Plan: Maharashtra Approves ₹6,000 Crore Loan Guarantee for Purandar Project

Maharashtra govt approves ₹6,000 crore loan guarantee for Purandar airport project near Pune. Land acquisition set to gain momentum.

Pune | April 25, 2026: In a major push to long-pending aviation infrastructure in the city, the Maharashtra government has approved a ₹6,000 crore loan guarantee for the proposed Purandar International Airport project. The move is expected to accelerate land acquisition and bring the ambitious greenfield airport closer to reality.

According to official details, the state government has granted a guarantee to enable the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to raise funds from financial institutions such as HUDCO or other lenders. The loan will be used exclusively for land acquisition and related preliminary works, marking a crucial step in project execution.

The financial approval comes with strict conditions to ensure fiscal discipline. Authorities have mandated that the borrowed funds must be utilised within a specified timeframe and that regular financial reports be submitted to the state government. Provisions such as repayment clauses, penal interest for delays, and options for refinancing have also been included to maintain accountability.

The Purandar airport project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) involving multiple government agencies. The shareholding structure includes City and Industrial Development Corporation holding 51%, Maharashtra Airport Development Company 19%, MIDC 15%, and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority 15%. Repayment responsibility will be shared among these stakeholders in proportion to their equity.

The proposed airport requires acquisition of approximately 1,200–1,300 hectares of land across seven villages in Purandar taluka, including Vanpuri, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, and Pargaon. Officials indicate that the land acquisition process is expected to move forward rapidly once funds are mobilised.

The project has been in discussion for several years, primarily due to capacity constraints at Pune’s existing airport at Lohegaon, which operates under defence restrictions. The new Purandar airport is expected to function as a full-fledged international facility, significantly boosting passenger and cargo capacity for Pune and western Maharashtra.

Government officials and industry experts believe that the airport will act as a major catalyst for economic growth, improving connectivity for IT, manufacturing, agriculture exports, and tourism sectors. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities and spur infrastructure development in surrounding regions.

However, challenges remain. Land acquisition has historically been a sensitive issue, with farmers demanding better compensation and rehabilitation packages. While a large percentage of landowners have reportedly shown willingness, negotiations and final settlements will play a key role in determining the project timeline.

Urban planners note that timely execution will be crucial, as Pune’s growing population and business ecosystem are placing increasing pressure on existing transport infrastructure. The Purandar airport is seen not just as an alternative, but as a necessity for the city’s long-term growth.

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