MADC Begins Demolition for Airport Expansion and Second Runway Construction.

With preparations to hand over Nagpur Airport to GMR gaining momentum, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has initiated a drive to clear land in Shivangaon village for the airport's proposed expansion, including the construction of a second runway. The demolition work is expected to be completed within a month.

A 13-hectare parcel in Shivangaon, critical for the second runway, remains occupied despite residents being compensated with alternative land in Chinchbhuvan between 2016 and 2017. While many families relocated, some villagers continued to stay, rented out their homes, or allowed relatives to live in the area. MADC has marked houses slated for demolition with a cross and begun razing these structures.

According to MADC, the land swap arrangement involves transferring 288 hectares to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which will vacate its land near the airport for expansion and new facility construction.

A senior MADC official stated that displaced residents were compensated with alternative plots ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, with additional land for families with newly married sons. Encroachers were also compensated to ensure a smooth transition. However, locals have raised concerns about inadequate compensation.

"The package we received wasn’t enough to rebuild our homes," said Shivangaon resident Nakul Ambhore.

During a visit to the area, most houses were found vacant, with only a few families remaining. "We’ve asked for a week to arrange rented accommodation. My brother was allotted a plot but couldn’t build a new home," said Trishala Fulzele, a resident in her late fifties.

The expansion project, including the second runway, aims to enhance the airport's capacity and operational efficiency, marking a significant development for the region.

ET