In a significant infrastructure push, the Government of Maharashtra has approved ₹189.53 crore for land acquisition to expand the runway at Akola Airport. The expansion will increase the runway length from 1,400 metres to 1,800 metres, enhancing the airport’s operational capacity.
Shift from Direct Purchase to Legal Acquisition
Earlier, the government had approved ₹208.76 crore to acquire 22.24 hectares of land through direct purchase. However, due to multiple practical challenges, this decision has now been revoked.
Key issues with direct purchase included:
- 486 landowners involved, making negotiations complex
- Requirement of 100% consent, including in shared plots
- Difficulty in tracing owners and verifying 30-year land records
- Risk of delays if even one owner refused to sell
To avoid prolonged delays, the government has now decided to proceed under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act 2013.
Land Details & Ownership Complexity
- Total land required: 22.24 hectares (222,404 sq. m.)
- Location: Shivni village (now within Akola Municipal limits)
- Total landowners: 486
- Around 472 are non-agricultural plot holders
This fragmented ownership structure made direct acquisition impractical.
Cost Breakdown (₹189.53 Crore)
The approved project cost includes:
- Land value: ₹40.94 crore
- Buildings compensation: ₹25 crore
- Fruit trees: ₹3 crore
- Other trees: ₹1 crore
- Associated costs: ₹1 crore
Additional components:
- 100% solatium (compensation): ₹70.94 crore
- Interest (12%): ₹14.74 crore
- Contingency (10%): ₹15.66 crore
- Administrative expenses: ~₹17.23 crore
➡️ Total Approved Cost: ₹189.53 crore
Why This Expansion Matters
Extending the runway to 1,800 metres will:
- Enable larger aircraft operations
- Improve regional air connectivity in Vidarbha
- Boost economic activity and investments in Akola
- Strengthen the role of Maharashtra Airport Development Company in regional aviation infrastructure
Funding & Execution
The project will be funded under the civil aviation budget head, with:
- Directorate of Aviation, Mumbai as the disbursing authority
- Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) as the implementing agency
What Happens Next
With financial approval in place:
- Land acquisition will begin under the 2013 Act
- Compensation will be legally processed
- Construction timelines are expected to accelerate
Outlook
This move reflects a broader policy shift where governments are prioritizing faster execution over complex negotiations. By opting for legal acquisition, Maharashtra aims to avoid delays and fast-track critical aviation infrastructure.
The Akola airport expansion is expected to play a key role in improving regional connectivity and economic growth in eastern Maharashtra.
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