GMR unveils Nagpur Airport multi-phase expansion plan

HYDERABAD: GMR Airports Limited on Wednesday unveiled a multi-phase modernisation and expansion plan for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, with an initial investment of about ₹300 crore to upgrade existing infrastructure and improve the passenger experience. The company said the project would strengthen its long-term growth strategy and reinforce its position as India’s leading private airport infrastructure operator.

The announcement follows the successful completion of the airport’s privatisation process, the handover of nearly 1,000 hectares of land by MIHAN India Limited on June 25, 2026, and the declaration of the Commercial Operations Date (COD). GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) has since assumed airport operations and begun implementing its long-term development programme.

GMR said the acquisition expands its footprint in India’s fast-growing aviation sector while aligning with its strategy of developing airports with strong passenger, cargo and commercial growth potential.

Student Leaders Protest NEET Cancellation at Kishan Reddy’s Home

Capacity to reach 30 million passengers annually

The first phase, to be implemented over the next eight years, will focus on improving passenger facilities, expanding operational capacity and establishing Nagpur as a leading aviation and logistics hub for the Vidarbha region and Central India.

The existing airport will undergo immediate upgrades funded through an investment of around ₹300 crore. The redevelopment will emphasise operational efficiency, advanced technology, sustainability and globally benchmarked passenger amenities.

Under the phased master plan, the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity will increase from three million to 30 million during the 30-year concession period, with scope to expand further to 50 million passengers annually using the allocated land in the future.

GMR also plans to develop Nagpur into a major cargo and logistics hub by leveraging its central location and the MIHAN ecosystem. The long-term target is to build cargo handling capacity of 1,50,000 metric tonnes a year.

Of the 1,000 hectares transferred to GNIAL, around 100 hectares have been earmarked for city-side or aerocity development to support commercial activity, employment generation and regional economic growth.

Airport to anchor Central India’s logistics ecosystem

GMR Airports Chairman G B S Raju said airports were not merely transport infrastructure but engines of economic growth, regional development and social progress.

“The transformation of Nagpur Airport reflects our long-term vision of building world-class aviation ecosystems that strengthen connectivity and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth. We remain committed to creating future-ready airports that deliver the highest standards for passengers and local communities.”

GMR Group Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer S G K Kishore said the redevelopment would create a sustainable, future-ready aviation hub with seamless passenger services while reducing environmental impact.

Nagpur Airport Chief Executive Officer Shrikant Bhandarkar said the expansion represented a complete transformation of the passenger journey rather than only infrastructure development.

“Our objective is to build a future-ready gateway that offers passengers an efficient, comfortable and seamless travel experience while contributing to Nagpur’s growth.”

GMR said the project is expected to strengthen connectivity, boost trade, tourism and investment, create employment and reinforce Nagpur’s strategic position as one of India’s leading aviation and logistics centres.

Phase-wise development plan

Phase 1 (12–18 months)

Upgrade the existing passenger terminal and airside and landside infrastructure.
Add check-in counters and self check-in kiosks.
Reconfigure security screening with additional X-ray machines.
Introduce an express security lane for passengers travelling with hand baggage only.
Expand the forecourt area.
Build additional modern toilets.
Create separate lounges for domestic and international passengers.
Increase bus boarding gates to four.

Phase 2 (3–4 years)

Construct a new integrated passenger terminal with an annual capacity of four million passengers.
Add contact and remote aircraft parking stands.
Develop a new cargo terminal with integrated processing facilities and an annual capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes.
Build an in-flight kitchen, fuel farm with an underground fuel supply system and ground-handling infrastructure.
Expand vehicle parking and access roads.
Develop commercial and city-side projects.

Phase 3 (5–8 years)