Kolhapur to Get Runway Expansion and New Pilot Training Centre.

Kolhapur is set to see significant improvements in its airport infrastructure with the expansion of the runway and the establishment of a pilot training centre. The plans were discussed in detail during a recent airport review meeting.

Currently, Kolhapur airport has a 1,900-meter runway, which will be extended to 2,300 meters to accommodate larger aircraft. District Collector Amol Yedge, who joined the meeting via video conferencing, confirmed that the expansion requires 64 acres of land, with 32 acres already acquired. He mentioned that the remaining 32 acres were acquired over the past year and a half, and the land has been successfully transferred to the airport authority. "Officials have been instructed to prepare a plan for the runway expansion, with work expected to begin in the next week or two," Yedge said.

Additionally, the demand for a pilot training centre at Kolhapur airport is gaining momentum. Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, assured that the proposal would be processed soon. An agreement has already been signed between the Airport Authority of India and Mumbai Aviation Academy to establish the training centre. The centre will provide training for young people to become commercial pilots. Officials are currently working on obtaining the necessary no-objection certificate, and the proposal will soon be submitted to the Ministry for final approval.

Mohol also directed airport officials in both Kolhapur and Solapur to ensure that night landing facilities are operational. Efforts are underway to involve private service providers to enhance connectivity between Solapur airport and major cities in both northern and southern India.

ET