Pune: The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is expected to release funds for land acquisition for the proposed Purandar international airport next week.Senior MIDC officials confirmed on Monday that negotiations with financial institutions are in the final stages. A department of industries official stated that the required capital for land purchase is secured and no further hurdles are anticipated. “The process is in its final phase. The amount should be released to the district administration in the coming week, allowing them to commence ground operations,” a senior MIDC official told TOI.The state govt has authorised MIDC to raise approximately ₹6,000 crore to acquire nearly 3,000 acres of land across seven villages in Purandar taluka: Pargaon, Khanwadi, Munjawadi, Ekhatpur, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, and Udachiwadi. While the district administration has already submitted proposals to finalise land rates, they are waiting for the credit to reflect before initiating formal sale agreements.Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi emphasised that the process is contingent on the funding. “Once the amount is received, we will announce the official rates and move ahead with sale agreements. We already have consent from over 90% of landowners,” Dudi said.Despite the high consent rate, local farmers expressed frustration over past delays. A landowner from Khanwadi noted that while they have participated in meetings for months, uncertainty remains. “We need clarity on compensation rates and a strict timeline. Once the govt starts the actual payments, the process will gain momentum,” he said. Another farmer from Pargaon added that while the community is ready to cooperate, they expect “fair rates and quick disbursement” for a project that has been discussed for years.To ensure rapid execution, district officials plan to conduct sale deed transactions simultaneously across all seven villages. The workflow will include announcing compensation rates, identifying survey numbers, signing consent awards, releasing payments, and updating 7/12 land records.The state govt recently issued a resolution allowing MIDC to secure the ₹6,000 crore loan from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) or other financial institutions at competitive rates. This approval comes with strict financial conditions, including compliance with fiscal responsibility and budget management (FRBM) norms.The project affects roughly 8,500 landowners. Of the total land, 1,216 hectares are earmarked for the airport, while 248 hectares are set aside for developed plot allotments to project-affected persons. While the administration is aiming for a May-end deadline to complete the process, officials suggest it may extend into June depending on procedural complexities.
