Pune, August 12th, 2023: In a thought-provoking statement, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that Pune’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could have experienced a significant surge of around 2% had a dedicated airport been established earlier in the city. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Chandni Chowk flyover, Fadnavis underscored the far-reaching benefits of a new airport, including heightened investment opportunities in the Information Technology (IT) sector.
Fadnavis’s remarks shed light on the pivotal role a new airport could play in catalyzing Pune’s economic growth. He emphasized that the city possesses immense potential for further development, and the establishment of a dedicated airport is poised to attract increased investments, especially within the rapidly evolving IT domain.
The Deputy Chief Minister elucidated that the current airport, situated at Lohegaon, operates with limitations due to its dual defense-civilian nature. Consequently, the need for an independent airport at Purandar becomes imperative, a solution that has been contemplated by the authorities. Fadnavis further lauded the efforts of the local citizens, acknowledging their proactive engagement in critical projects.
In recognition of Pune’s intellectual vigor, Fadnavis acknowledged the challenging nature of executing projects within the city’s dynamic landscape. Citizens of Pune are known for their discerning approach, often evaluating proposed projects through the lens of various international perspectives and reports. Fadnavis commended their dedication to thorough scrutiny, which ultimately contributes to well-informed decision-making and the city’s overall progress.
Fadnavis shared a pertinent example from Pune’s recent history – the Pune Metro project. Despite commencing construction ahead of the Nagpur Metro, Pune Metro’s operationalization lagged behind. This scenario underscores the complex interplay of factors that can influence the implementation timelines of significant infrastructure projects.
The proposed dedicated airport at Purandar has been the subject of ongoing deliberation, primarily hindered by land acquisition challenges. Presently, Pune’s existing airport operates under the aegis of the Indian Air Force, which necessitates adherence to stringent operational constraints, hampering the seamless execution of civilian operations.
Furthermore, Fadnavis expressed optimism regarding the role of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in expediting the land acquisition process for the Purandar airport, given his position within the government.
