Special Correspondent
Pune: The much-needed runway expansion at Pune’s Lohegaon Airport, essential for accommodating larger aircraft and increasing international flight operations, is now set to gain momentum following a recent green signal from the authorities. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has instructed that the work be carried out on a fast-track basis during a high-level meeting with senior officials from various departments.
A key hurdle—regarding the road leading to Lohegaon—has been addressed. The Pune Municipal Corporation will coordinate with the Indian Air Force to construct an alternate road, facilitating the expansion process.
Just days ago, formal approval was granted for the expansion of the runway at Pune International Airport. Since then, discussions have been held on key requirements like land acquisition, construction of an alternate route through Lohegaon, and addressing various technical aspects. Minister Mohol chaired a detailed meeting that included Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Airport Director Santosh Dhoke, senior officials from the Air Force, PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, City Engineer Prashant Waghmare, and Road Department Head Aniruddha Pawaskar, among others.
Mohol stated, “We have initiated the expansion of Pune airport’s runway and discussed in detail the exact military and private land required for the project. Additionally, talks are ongoing about transferring necessary Air Force land to the Airports Authority. A proposal for this has been sent to the military headquarters.”
In exchange for the land, the Airports Authority will provide alternate land and cover establishment expenses for the Air Force.
The runway expansion will affect the road from Vishrantwadi to Lohegaon, which runs alongside the airport. A new alternative route will be created through Air Force land, with the Pune Municipal Corporation bearing the cost. Coordination between the PMC and the Air Force is underway to complete this process swiftly.
Given the urgent need to upgrade Pune airport infrastructure, Minister Mohol emphasized that the expansion project must be executed rapidly. “While the process for Purandar airport is underway, it is essential to enhance international flight operations from the existing Pune airport to meet the immediate demand of the city and surrounding areas,” he said. The state government is expected to fast-track land acquisition, with a focus on timely completion of all preparatory steps.
The minister concluded by saying that a comprehensive review has been conducted and clear directives have been issued to ensure swift execution of the project.
