India, Sept. 10 -- The Maharashtra government has initiated steps to set up a new IT park in Purandar taluka, close to the proposed Pune International Airport and logistics hub.

Industry minister Uday Samant has instructed officials to begin land acquisition for the project. Acting on his directive, the industry department has written to the revenue department, asking it to hand over government-owned land in Dive, Chambali and Kodit villages.

Shiv Sena MLA Vijay Shivthare, who has been pursuing the demand, said, "The state has approved the IT park at Purandar and directed that 1,500 acres of government land in these villages be transferred for the project. This will boost infrastructure in the area and help reduce traffic burden on Hinj...