The only international airport in Vidarbha Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur continues to face delays in its redevelopment project. Despite the issuance of the Completion Order (COD) nearly a year ago, the handover of land to the private operating company, Mihan India Limited (MIL), is still pending.
According to the agreement, Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) was supposed to transfer the land to MIL within 180 days of the COD issued on October 8, 2023. However, even after 360 days, the process remains incomplete.
The long-pending transfer has become a major obstacle in the airport’s expansion plans. As per sources, 5.76 hectares of land near the cargo terminal is yet to be officially handed over, due to ongoing disputes between MADC and the private airport operator.
The dispute dates back to 2016 when the state government approved the transfer of airport operations to GMR-led Mihan India Limited under a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model. The company was expected to develop the airport and enhance facilities as per global standards.
However, disagreements between MADC and GMR delayed progress for years. The matter escalated in 2020 when MADC raised objections to certain clauses in the concession agreement, stalling the handover process. Despite multiple interventions by state officials, the issue remained unresolved and later reached the Bombay High Court.
In September 2024, the High Court directed MADC to complete the process within a stipulated timeframe, but the order has yet to be fully implemented.
Meanwhile, GMR’s technical team has resumed planning work in Nagpur to prepare for future expansion. The company aims to start new terminal and infrastructure works once possession of the disputed land is received.
However, MADC officials maintain that all procedural clearances must be finalized before physical handover. Senior officials have indicated that meetings are ongoing to resolve the matter at the earliest.
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