State greenlights Rs 2.21 bn for Karad Airport Development

04 Dec 2023 CW Team

It was announced by the state government that a sum of Rs 2.21 billion was approved for the transformation of the existing airstrip at Karad in Satara district into an airport.

Prithviraj Chavan, who was the Chief Minister at the time, championed this project. However, it faced delays due to the necessity of cutting hills and diverting transmission lines and roads for the expansion.

An airport already exists in Kolhapur, with a distance of approximately 75 km between Karad and Kolhapur. According to the civil aviation policy, the establishment of a new airport within a 150 km radius of an existing airport is not permitted. Nevertheless, the state clarified that they are expanding Karad in this instance.

The airstrip, constructed in 1955 by the Public Works Department to support the Koyna dam, served extensively during Chavan's term as CM and is currently primarily utilized by flying schools. The Maharashtra Airport Development Company is overseeing the ongoing expansion of the airport, which currently spans 65 acres and lacks night navigational facilities.

As per a government resolution (GR) issued, the state had previously approved Rs 950 million in 2012. Subsequently, on the same day, a plan for ?221 crore was sanctioned.

The process of land acquisition is anticipated to incur a cost of Rs 79o million, leading to the demolition of numerous houses. Additionally, Rs 70.12 million will be allocated for rehabilitation, and ?20 crore will be spent on procuring land for rehabilitation. The construction of the terminal building is estimated to cost over Rs 100 million.

Chavan expressed, "This marked the inception of the first airport by the inaugural Maharashtra CM, Yashwantrao Chavan. It held the distinction of being the first airport situated in a taluka place, chosen for its location along the National Highway. During floods, when Kolhapur Airport was inaccessible, Karad airport facilitated sorties. ATRs aircraft can land there. I am sincerely grateful to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approving this. Currently, a flying school with four aircraft is operational here."

It was announced by the state government that a sum of Rs 2.21 billion was approved for the transformation of the existing airstrip at Karad in Satara district into an airport. Prithviraj Chavan, who was the Chief Minister at the time, championed this project. However, it faced delays due to the necessity of cutting hills and diverting transmission lines and roads for the expansion. An airport already exists in Kolhapur, with a distance of approximately 75 km between Karad and Kolhapur. According to the civil aviation policy, the establishment of a new airport within a 150 km radius of an existing airport is not permitted. Nevertheless, the state clarified that they are expanding Karad in this instance. The airstrip, constructed in 1955 by the Public Works Department to support the Koyna dam, served extensively during Chavan's term as CM and is currently primarily utilized by flying schools. The Maharashtra Airport Development Company is overseeing the ongoing expansion of the airport, which currently spans 65 acres and lacks night navigational facilities. As per a government resolution (GR) issued, the state had previously approved Rs 950 million in 2012. Subsequently, on the same day, a plan for ?221 crore was sanctioned. The process of land acquisition is anticipated to incur a cost of Rs 79o million, leading to the demolition of numerous houses. Additionally, Rs 70.12 million will be allocated for rehabilitation, and ?20 crore will be spent on procuring land for rehabilitation. The construction of the terminal building is estimated to cost over Rs 100 million. Chavan expressed, This marked the inception of the first airport by the inaugural Maharashtra CM, Yashwantrao Chavan. It held the distinction of being the first airport situated in a taluka place, chosen for its location along the National Highway. During floods, when Kolhapur Airport was inaccessible, Karad airport facilitated sorties. ATRs aircraft can land there. I am sincerely grateful to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approving this. Currently, a flying school with four aircraft is operational here.

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