Tejas Navale

Pune: Following the recent Lok Sabha elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) formed the government at the centre under the leadership of Narendra Modi. In this new government, the first-time MP from Pune, Murlidhar Mohol, has taken the oath as Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Cooperation. With his appointment, the long-debated Purandar Airport project has once again come into focus.

In the recently organised event by Pune Patrakar Sangh, Minister Mohol made clear his commitment to the project, ensuring rapid development. Mohol stated, "NOC has been received for Purandar Airport. The airport has also been approved by the Director General of Civil Authorities (DGCA). In the future, efforts will be made by the state government for land acquisition. A joint meeting of DGCA, Airport Authority of India, and Maharashtra Airport Development Company will be held to inspect the site."

Mohol informed that the Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited had initially sent a proposal for the Purandar Airport to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2018. During the Mahayuti government's tenure, Site 1A was earmarked for the airport, and the proposal received approval. However, the change in government in 2021 led to a reconsideration of local issues, resulting in a new site, 5A, being proposed.

This revised proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation but encountered technical difficulties, halting progress. With another shift in government in 2023, the focus returned to the original Site 1A, and the proposal was resubmitted. In May 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), and the DGCA granted approval for the Purandar Airport.

Mohol is confident that the project will now move forward swiftly. "This work will definitely go ahead," he affirmed, highlighting the renewed efforts and government support to bring Purandar Airport to fruition.