Foresees capacity expansion for handling 30 million Pax annually
GMR Airports Ltd has unveiled an ambitious multi-phase modernisation and expansion roadmap for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur.
The announcement follows the successful completion of the privatisation process of Nagpur Airport, MIL completing the handover process of approximately 1,000 hectares of land on June 25, 2026, and declaring the Commercial Operations Date (COD), enabling GNIAL to commence operations and initiate its long-term development plans for the airport.
As per an official release from GMR the 1st 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 gateway for Vidarbha and the wider region.
Initial Investment
As part of this, GMR Airports will undertake immediate upgrades at the existing airport with an initial investment of about Rs 300 crore.
Designed as a future-ready airport ecosystem, the programme will combine focus on key pillars of operational excellence, advanced technology, sustainability and world-class passenger amenities.
Capacity Expansion
The phased expansion envisages increasing passenger handling capacity from the current three million passengers per annum to 30 million passengers annually during the 30-year concession period, with potential to further enhance capacity to 50 million passengers annually within the allocated land parcel.
Hub for Air Cargo
Leveraging Nagpur’s strategic location at the geographical centre of India and the larger 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.
The transformation will focus on creating a seamless, efficient and convenient travel experience through modern facilities aligned with global standards.
Green Cover
Sustainability remains central to the development strategy through greater use of green energy, rainwater harvesting, environmentally responsible infrastructure and extensive landscaping.
Out of the 1,000 hectares handed over to GNIAL, nearly 100 hectares have been earmarked for city-side development or Aerocity, which is expected to create new opportunities for commercial activity, employment generation and regional economic growth.
Mr. G.B.S. 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.”
Mr. S.G.K. Kishore, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer, GMR Group, said: “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.”
Mr. Srikanth Bhandarkar, CEO, Nagpur Airport, said: “We are committed to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of passengers, partners and stakeholders.”
The Nagpur development reinforces the company’s strategy of creating integrated airport ecosystems combining passenger growth, cargo development, commercial real estate and non-aeronautical revenue opportunities.
