The first eight‑year phase of the roadmap aims to position Nagpur as a leading aviation and logistics hub for Vidarbha and beyond.
GMR Airports Ltd has unveiled an ambitious multi‑phase modernisation and expansion plan for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur. This follows the successful completion of the privatisation process of Nagpur Airport, with the Maharashtra Airport Development Co. Ltd (MIL) completing the handover of approximately 1,000 hectares of land on June 25, and declaring the commercial operations date (COD). This enables GMR Nagpur International Airport Ltd (GNIAL) to commence operations and initiate long‑term development plans.
GBS Raju, Chairman, GMR Airports, said, “The transformation of Nagpur Airport reflects our long‑term vision of creating world‑class aviation ecosystems that strengthen connectivity and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth journey. As the country continues its infrastructure‑led transformation, we remain committed to building future‑ready airports that serve as engines of nation‑building while delivering exceptional experiences for passengers and communities alike.”
The first phase of the development roadmap over the next eight years aims to enhance passenger experience, expand operational capacity and position Nagpur as a leading aviation and logistics hub for Vidarbha and the wider region. Immediate upgrades at the existing airport will be undertaken with an initial investment of about ₹3 billion. Designed as a future‑ready ecosystem, the programme will focus on operational excellence, advanced technology, sustainability and world‑class passenger amenities.
The phased expansion envisages increasing passenger handling capacity from the current 3 million passengers per annum to 30 million annually during the 30‑year concession period, with potential to further scale up to 50 million passengers annually within the allocated land parcel.
SGK Kishore, Executive Director & Chief Innovation Officer, GMR Group, stated, “Our vision for Nagpur Airport is to make it a future‑ready, sustainable aviation hub that enhances connectivity. This expansion will be a step towards offering a smarter, seamless, and more comfortable travel experience, while reducing our environmental footprint and building resilient infrastructure for the future.”
Sustainability remains central to the development strategy through greater use of green energy, rainwater harvesting, environmentally responsible infrastructure and extensive landscaping.
Future-Ready Gateway
Leveraging Nagpur’s strategic location at the geographical centre of India and the larger Multi‑Modal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) ecosystem, the airport is also planned as a major cargo and logistics hub with a long‑term cargo handling capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes per annum.
Summing up the plans, Srikanth Bhandarkar, CEO, Nagpur Airport, observed, “This expansion is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a transformation of the airport experience. Our vision is to create a future‑ready gateway that offers efficiency, convenience and comfort to every traveller while contributing to Nagpur’s growth story.”
Out of the 1,000 hectares handed over to GNIAL, nearly 100 hectares have been earmarked for city‑side development or aerocity, expected to create new opportunities for commercial activity, employment generation and regional economic growth.
The transformation of Nagpur Airport into a modern aviation and logistics hub is expected to boost trade, tourism and investment, strengthening connectivity by leveraging Nagpur’s strategic geographical position.