On CM’s table this week: Pune airport project

The delay has became an irritant for MADC officials. “We seem to be heading nowhere as of now. Discussions at the meeting may give some directions. Even as there are talks of a metro, BRTS, ring road and other projects, there has been no headway in finding a site for the airport project though sanction for other airports in the state is being granted,’’ said a senior MADC official.

Senior officials said that MADC will put forth the issue of the Pune airport in the meeting. “We should get clear directions. The hunt for a site for has been dragging on for the last six years,” said an official.

MADC needs 1200 hectares and both the proposed sites are to be referred to the CM for approval. MADC, along with the Airports Authority of India, had zeroed-in on the Chakan-Rajgurunagar belt but it was later called off after it was decided that it would displace a large number of families.

After meeting the chief minister, AAI would examine the site and clear the proposal. The government would allocate Rs 1,000 crore to acquire the land. According to the proposal, MADC plans two 6-km long, 2.5-km wide runways. Construction was proposed to begin in 2015.