Purandar Airport Land Acquisition: Over 6,500 Families to Receive Rs 2 Crore Each

The Maharashtra State Government and the Central Government’s ambitious project, the Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje International Airport in Purandar, has reached a critical milestone. In a significant move to expedite the land acquisition process, the High-Level Committee has officially approved the compensation rates, offering a substantial financial package to the affected landowners in the region.

The Purandar Airport project is envisioned as a major economic catalyst, expected to generate massive employment and business opportunities for the residents of Purandar taluka and Pune district. Following the government resolution (GR) dated February 9, 2026, the administration has authorized the acquisition of 1216.75 hectares of land across seven key villages: Vanpuri (154.06 Ha), Udachiwadi (58.34 Ha), Kumbharvalan (245.48 Ha), Ekhatpur (199.03 Ha), Pargaon (188.07 Ha), Munjvadi (82.56 Ha), and Khanvadi (269.22 Ha).

There are about 1300 survey numbers and about 6,500 total families who will benefit from the airport land acquisition, with each family expected to receive about Rs two crore. The district administration has also tied up with the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics to educate farmers about financial planning.

In a meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary (Industries) on April 24, 2026, the compensation rates were finalized. The total payable amount per acre has been calculated at approximately ₹1,61,01,925 (One Crore Sixty-One Lakhs).

This valuation includes: - Base Market Value: ₹94,94,060 per hectare. - Multiplier Component: 2.0x of the base rate. - 100% Solatium: An additional 100% of the calculated value. - Interest: A 12% interest rate for the period from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

Landowners will also receive double the valuation for any assets attached to the land (houses, sheds, wells, and trees). The valuation for these assets, conducted by the Agriculture and Public Works Departments, includes: - Fruit Trees: Mango (₹50,000–₹60,000), Tamarind (₹40,000–₹50,000), and others like Coconut and Chikoo. - Forest Trees: Specific rates for Neem, Banyan, and Pipal trees. - Structures: Pucca houses are valued between ₹3 Lakhs to ₹40 Lakhs based on area. - Water Resources: Wells (₹3–₹17 Lakhs) and Borewells (₹40,000–₹60,000).

To ensure a just transition for all stakeholders, the government has announced additional support: - Wages: Landless laborers will receive 750 days of wages, while small and marginal farmers will receive 500 days of wages at government-prescribed rates. - Relocation Allowances: ₹40,000 for house relocation and ₹20,000 for cattle shed relocation. - Tax Exemptions: All compensation amounts paid to landowners will be exempt from Income Tax and other government levies. - Payment Method: All funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries via RTGS.

The administration has urged landowners to submit their consent letters and affidavits between May 6, 2026, and June 10, 2026, at the Land Acquisition Office in Purandar or Pune. According to the MIDC Rehabilitation Policy 2019, those who opt for the “Consent Award” can request a 10% return of developed land (with a corresponding 10% deduction in cash compensation). However, those who do not provide consent and face “Compulsory Acquisition” will lose these additional benefits and the option for developed land returns.

As of May 5, 2026, the administration has already received 244 consent letters covering approximately 174.64 hectares of land. The government remains committed to a transparent and rapid acquisition process to ensure the airport project stays on track.