Govt may extend Shirdi airport runway by 700 m; CM asks airlines to explore flight opportunities
While the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust has drawn up plans to celebrate the centenary year of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi from October 1 to October 18, the state government plans to increase the runway length at Shirdi airport from 2,500 to 3,200 meters. It is also planning to make arrangements for night landing facilities at the airport.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday asked airline companies to visit Shirdi and explore the possibility of starting air services from the newly-modified Greenfield Shirdi airport at the earliest.
Fadnavis also reviewed the progress of the proposed Purandar airport in Pune. The government plans to make the Shirdi airport operational by October.
The Shirdi Saibaba centenary celebrations is expected to attract a huge number of Saibaba followers, thereby positioning the town as a tourist attraction.
The Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust is expecting visitors from across the globe to descend on Shirdi later in the year. Fadnavis informed airline companies that VVIPs and other dignitaries from 42 countries will be visiting Shirdi during the festivities.
This apart, the District Collector of Pune has been given the authority to provide compensation alternatives to the locals of Purandar, whose land has been acquired for the proposed Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Pune International Airport in Purandar.
A one-time compensation including full land cost, compensation along with a share of the developed land, a share in the airport development company or providing alternate plots are the options land owners will be given to choose from.
From festivities to compensation
The Shirdi Saibaba centenary celebrations will attract a huge number of Saibaba followers.
Pune’s District Collector will provide compensation alternatives to Purandar locals, whose lands have been acquired for the proposed Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Pune International Airport in Purandar.
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