GMR unveils Rs 300 crore expansion plan to transform Nagpur Airport

GMR Airports Ltd has announced a multi-phase modernisation and expansion plan for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, with an initial investment of Rs 300 crore aimed at upgrading infrastructure and transforming the airport into a major aviation and logistics hub.

GMR Airports recently took over the operations of Nagpur airport and outlined an eight-year development roadmap to enhance passenger experience, increase operational capacity and strengthen connectivity in the Vidarbha region.

Under the long-term expansion plan, the airport’s passenger handling capacity will be increased from the existing three million passengers per year to 30 million annually during the 30-year concession period. The capacity can potentially be expanded further to 50 million passengers per year within the available land area.

GMR Airports Limited Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer S G K Kishore said Nagpur’s strategic location at the centre of India and the presence of the MIHAN ecosystem provide significant opportunities to develop the airport as a key cargo and logistics hub.

The airport’s long-term cargo handling capacity is planned at 150,000 metric tonnes annually. Around 100 hectares of the 1,000 hectares allocated to GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited will be developed as an Aerocity project featuring aviation, logistics, hospitality and retail facilities.

The first phase of development, scheduled over the next 12 to 18 months, will include refurbishment of the existing terminal, improvements to airside and landside facilities, additional check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks and other passenger-focused upgrades.

The second phase, planned between the third and fourth years, will focus on capacity expansion with a new integrated passenger terminal, additional aircraft stands, a new cargo terminal with 20,000 MT annual capacity and improved parking facilities.

The third phase, covering years five to eight, will include future-ready infrastructure such as a second runway, a new Air Traffic Control tower and additional facilities to support long-term growth.

GMR Airports said the vision is to develop Nagpur airport into a sustainable and future-ready aviation hub, offering improved connectivity, seamless passenger services and resilient infrastructure while supporting economic growth in central India.