Pune Green Field International Airport proposed at Khed SEZ
The Maharashtra government has decided on a site for the proposed Green Field International Airport at Pune, after six years of deliberations. It is being planned to be developed at the Khed Special Economic Zone (SEZ), 45 km from Pune city. This decision was arrived at following a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Maharashtra Chief Minister on November 13th, 2013, to review the key infrastructure projects of the state that are under consideration.
Present airport shared with IAF:
The present Pune airport is located about 10 km north-east of Pune. It is a civil enclave maintained by the Airport Authority of India, and is located at the eastern side of the Lohegaon Air Base, belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF). It handles both domestic and international flights. The airport has a secondary runway which is currently being used as a taxiway by the Indian Air Force . Another parallel taxiway constructed by AAI on the southern side is used for civil operations. The airfield has night landing facilities as well as navigational facilities.
Disputes between AAI and IAF mar operations:
Considering that the Air Traffic Control of Pune is maintained by the IAF, there is constant disputes between the AAI and IAF with regards to flight schedules as well as night landings. However, a basic working relationship has been maintained between the two parties, in the interest of both. The IAF on their part has been accommodative by agreeing to allow night landings for civilian flights atleast for the time being.
New airport to be completed in five years:
According to a statement issued on the Pune Airport, it was decided that based on the air traffic projections for Pune, it was imperative that a new Green Field Airport was developed. It was also decided that the new airport would be managed by the Airport Authority of India. It was expected that the construction work on the new airport could be completed in five years.
Land acquisition pending on 418 hectares:
Based on estimates made by senior officials who attended the meeting, it was proposed that the two runways of the new airport would require 1,268 hectares of land. Already, about 850 hectares of land has been acquired for the SEZ project. Land acquisition is still pending on another 418 hectares, which could affect nearly 180 families. The district administration is yet to take a call regarding the rehabilitation package that would be offered to these families.
AAI approves site; clearances still required:
The AAI authorities after visiting the proposed site have given their approval considering that it a barren land with no natural obstructions. As per the master plan put forward by the AAI, the proposed land for the airport project would measure 6.34 km by 2 km. However, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company is yet to obtain the necessary clearances, including those required from the environment department.
