Pune MLAs Push for Purandar Airport and Bhimashankar Redevelopment in State Budget

Pune: MLAs from Pune district are actively seeking allocations for critical infrastructure and development projects ahead of the budget session of the assembly, which is set to begin next week. During a virtual interaction with the Chief Minister following the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) meeting, the MLAs emphasized the need for funds for the proposed international airport in Purandar and the redevelopment of the Bhimashankar temple area.

The Purandar airport project aims to enhance regional connectivity and improve the internal road network of the city. The MLAs also stressed the importance of upgrading facilities around the Bhimashankar shrine in preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Additionally, they proposed scaling up the international cycling event, the Pune Grand Tour, to further boost tourism and sports infrastructure in the region.

Inter-city connectivity projects, such as the Pune ring road and the proposed Pune–Nashik high-speed rail corridor, were also discussed. These projects are expected to significantly improve transportation and reduce travel time between major cities.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is scheduled to present the state budget on March 6. However, some MLAs have expressed concerns over fiscal constraints. They believe that the government might prioritize flagship welfare schemes, such as the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which could limit the allocation of funds for new infrastructure projects. “With little financial elbow room, the budget is unlikely to offer new big-ticket schemes,” an MLA commented.

Senior officials have also voiced their reservations about the allocation of funds for new projects. “We are in a bit of a dilemma amid the execution of the Ladki Bahin scheme by curtailing funds for major projects,” an official stated.

Last year, former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's budget speech highlighted several infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Pune Metro Phase II. The project, with an outlay of Rs 9,897 crore, is set to cover the Khadakwasla–Swargate–Hadapsar–Kharadi and Nal Stop–Warje–Manikbagh corridors. The budget also allocated funds for a 54km elevated Pune–Shirur road at an estimated cost of Rs 7,514 crore.

The missing link project on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, slated to open on May 1, was also mentioned in the budget. Other significant allocations included the renovation of sports facilities at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex and the establishment of 18 new courts in Paud, Indapur, and Junnar. Under culture and urban development, Rs 50 crore was earmarked to expedite the completion of the Shivshrushti project in Ambegaon and the renovation of the Vastaad Lahuji Salve memorial. A sewage treatment project worth Rs 8,200 crore was also announced, aimed at ensuring water sustainability for industries and agriculture.

Despite the fiscal challenges, the MLAs are hopeful that the government will recognize the importance of these projects and allocate the necessary funds to drive development and improve the quality of life in Pune district.