GMR Airports Ltd on Thursday unveiled an ambitious multi-phase modernisation and expansion roadmap for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, following the successful completion of the airport’s privatisation process. The company announced an initial investment of around Rs 300 crore to upgrade existing infrastructure, improve passenger experience and strengthen Nagpur’s position as a major aviation and logistics hub in Central India.
According to GMR Airports, the first phase of development, to be implemented over the next eight years, will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, adopting advanced technology, promoting sustainability and introducing world-class passenger amenities. The company said the airport’s passenger handling capacity is planned to increase from the current 3 million passengers annually to 30 million during the 30-year concession period, with the potential to eventually reach 50 million passengers per year.
The expansion plan also aims to establish Nagpur as a major cargo and logistics hub by developing a cargo handling capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes annually. Out of the nearly 1,000 hectares handed over to GMR-led GNIAL, around 100 hectares have been earmarked for commercial city-side development, or an Aerocity, expected to generate employment and boost regional economic growth.
Under Phase 1 (within 12–18 months), GMR will refurbish the existing terminal, add check-in counters and self-check-in kiosks, expand security screening with additional X-ray machines, introduce an express security lane for passengers with hand baggage, upgrade washrooms, develop domestic and international card lounges, improve passenger access and expand bus boarding gates.
Phase 2 (Years 3–4) will include construction of a new integrated passenger terminal with an initial annual capacity of 4 million passengers, additional aircraft parking stands, a new cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes, an in-flight kitchen, fuel farm with underground fuel handling system, and improved road connectivity and parking infrastructure.
Phase 3 (Years 5–8) envisages the construction of a second runway, a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and technical building, dedicated power and water infrastructure, and other facilities to support the airport’s long-term growth.
GMR Airports Chairman G.B.S. Raju said airports are key enablers of economic growth, regional development and social progress, adding that the transformation of Nagpur Airport reflects the company’s long-term vision of creating a world-class aviation ecosystem.
GMR Group Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer S.G.K.
Kishore said the expansion aims to build a future-ready and sustainable aviation hub that enhances connectivity while reducing environmental impact.
Nagpur Airport CEO Srikanth Bhandarkar said the project is more than an infrastructure upgrade and is intended to transform the overall passenger experience while contributing to Nagpur’s economic growth and strengthening its position as a strategic aviation gateway in central India.
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