Land transfer for Pune airport expansion in progress; 3 more golf carts added for passenger transit: Airport Director
Source Entity
Shubham Kurale
Pune Airport is advancing infrastructure expansion via a 13-acre land transfer and launching a 24-day 'Yatri Seva Abhiyan' to enhance passenger services. The airport is also addressing operational challenges, including stray animal management, in coordination with local authorities.
Pune Airport Infrastructure and Service Overhaul
Pune Airport is currently undergoing a significant phase of development and operational refinement. Airport Director Santosh Dhoke recently provided a comprehensive update highlighting key initiatives aimed at long-term expansion and immediate passenger service improvements. These efforts reflect a strategic push to modernize facilities while addressing the logistical complexities of a growing regional hub.
Strategic Expansion and Land Acquisition
Central to the airport's growth is the acquisition of a 13-acre land parcel currently held by the Indian Air Force. This expansion is critical for the facility's long-term capacity goals. Director Dhoke confirmed that the process is actively progressing, noting that the airport has already completed the construction of new offices intended to replace those displaced by the land transfer. This careful coordination between civil aviation authorities and the military is essential for facilitating the proposed hub-and-spoke model for international travel.
Enhancing Passenger Experience: The Yatri Seva Abhiyan
Beyond physical expansion, Pune Airport is prioritizing the passenger journey through the 'Yatri Seva Abhiyan 2026.' Running from September 17 to October 10, this 24-day campaign is a significant scaling up from previous one-day initiatives. Structured around the core pillars of Seva (service), Swachhata (cleanliness), Sahyog (cooperation), and a 'Service with a Smile' philosophy, the campaign seeks to institutionalize high standards of operation across digital services, security, and terminal amenities.
Operational Improvements and Transit
To address immediate transit needs, the airport has introduced additional golf carts to assist passengers moving across the premises. This is part of a broader commitment to refining the daily travel experience. Furthermore, the airport has addressed safety and sanitation concerns, specifically regarding stray dogs on the premises. In response, management is actively collaborating with the Pune Municipal Corporation to monitor and manage the situation, strictly adhering to established Supreme Court guidelines regarding animal welfare and public safety.
Vision for Sustainable Growth
The overarching objective of these initiatives is to transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive, sustainable management. By focusing on both the structural expansion—such as the reopening of the renovated old terminal—and the qualitative experience of the passenger, Pune Airport is positioning itself to handle increasing aviation demands. The shift toward a 24-day service focus underscores a management strategy that views infrastructure not just as concrete and runways, but as a holistic service ecosystem.
Future Outlook
As Pune continues to grow as a major economic and industrial center, the airport's ability to execute these infrastructure and service goals will be a key indicator of its operational maturity. The successful integration of the 13-acre land parcel, combined with the permanent adoption of the service standards tested during the 'Yatri Seva Abhiyan,' will likely define the airport's efficiency for the coming decade. Continued collaboration with municipal and military authorities remains the cornerstone of this developmental trajectory.