Journalism of Courage
The Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) has long been pushing for the new airport. But despite many plans going awry,the chamber this time is optimistic. S K Jain,president,MCCIA,said,If the government gives a good compensation to the landowners (in the finalised location) the airport should be up in the next five years.
What has boosted Jains confidence is the Prime Ministers intervention in matters related to Pune Airport. The PM has taken interest. The CM is overlooking the matter. It has been conveyed that the present location has been approved by the AAI. If the government offers good compensation,land acquisition should not be a problem. If Chandigarh can finish land acquisition in seven days,why cant we do it? Jain said almost 1.5-2 lakh passengers travel every year from Pune to Mumbai for international flights.
Most international flights operate at night and they end up commuting on the expressway during nights and that is when accidents happen. The new Pune airport will curb this, said Jain adding,Almost 60 per cent of international cargo movement at Mumbai airport is from Pune. Having a city airport will reduce dependence on Mumbai airport. Countering the argument that with Navi Mumbai airport on the anvil,the city does not need an airport,he said,When we approach foreign companies for business to Pune,they talk of international connectivity. The city needs its own airport within 25 km distance and a travel time of less than an hour.
