Complete all Shirdi airport works before start of Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela: Fadnavis

Mumbai, Jul 17 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed officials to expedite the renovation and expansion works at Shirdi airport and ensure all proposed facilities are completed ahead of the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, the CM emphasized the strategic importance of Shirdi airport in handling the expected pilgrimage traffic and said the project must be completed on priority.

Proposed facilities such as a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) building, integrated cargo terminal, and passenger terminal must be completed before the Kumbh Mela begins, he said.

"Work is currently progressing slowly. Additional manpower should be deployed if needed, and structural design approvals and procurement processes must be finalized within a week," he said.

Highlighting the proximity of Shirdi to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports, Fadnavis suggested the airport could also serve as an auxiliary parking location for smaller aircraft.

Land acquisition should be initiated, if required, to support expansion of facilities, he added.

Discussing the Purandar airport project, Fadnavis stated surveys have already been conducted, and land acquisition must now be initiated by the Pune district administration without delay to ensure swift commencement of construction.

Once operational, the Purandar airport will significantly enhance air connectivity in Maharashtra, Fadnavis said.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said the new airport must be designed to accommodate large aircraft and include dedicated hangar facilities.

He called for urgent action to start the project at the earliest. PTI MR BNM