GMR Airports Ltd has announced a multi-phase modernisation and expansion plan for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, with an initial investment of around INR 300 crore to upgrade existing infrastructure and lay the foundation for long-term capacity expansion. The company, which took over the airport's operations in the past month, plans to gradually increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity from the current 3 million passengers to 30 million passengers during its 30-year concession period. 
The airport is being operated by GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) after GMR Airports assumed responsibility for its management. The company said the acquisition strengthens its presence in India's fast-growing aviation sector while adding another key airport to its portfolio. 
Speaking to the media in Nagpur, GMR Group Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer S G K Kishore and Nagpur Airport CEO Shrikanth Bhandarkar outlined the development roadmap. Kishore said the first phase of the project, spread over the next eight years, is aimed at improving passenger experience, increasing operational capacity and positioning Nagpur as an important aviation and logistics gateway for Vidarbha and surrounding regions. 
As part of the immediate development plan, GMR Airports will invest about INR 300 crore to upgrade the existing airport infrastructure. The company said the phased expansion has been designed to meet future traffic demand while creating infrastructure capable of supporting sustained growth. Beyond the planned capacity of 30 million passengers annually, the airport has the potential to accommodate up to 50 million passengers a year within the available land parcel if required in the future. 
The airport's expansion is also closely linked with the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project. Leveraging Nagpur's central geographical location, GMR plans to develop the airport into a major cargo and logistics hub with a long-term cargo handling capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes per annum. The integrated cargo infrastructure is expected to strengthen freight movement across central India and support industrial growth in the region. 
Out of the 1,000 hectares of land handed over to GNIAL, nearly 100 hectares have been earmarked for the Aerocity development. The city-side project is planned as a mixed-use ecosystem integrating aviation-related businesses, logistics, hospitality and retail, with the objective of creating a comprehensive commercial district around the airport and strengthening Nagpur's role as an aviation hub. 
According to Bhandarkar, Phase 1 of the expansion will focus on immediate upgrades to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months. The work will include refurbishment of the existing terminal, improvements to airside and landside facilities, installation of additional check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks and other passenger convenience measures to improve operational efficiency. 
Phase 2, planned over the third and fourth years, will concentrate on capacity expansion. The airport will get a new integrated passenger terminal with an initial annual handling capacity of 4 million passengers, along with additional contact and remote aircraft stands, a new cargo terminal capable of handling 20,000 metric tonnes annually, and expanded vehicle parking facilities. 
During Phase 3, covering the fifth to eighth years, GMR Airports plans to build a second runway, a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, a technical building and other supporting infrastructure to improve operational resilience and prepare the airport for long-term growth. 
The company also indicated that sustainability will remain an important part of the development strategy. Kishore said the vision is to build a future-ready airport that improves connectivity, offers a smarter and more seamless travel experience, reduces environmental impact and creates resilient infrastructure capable of supporting the region's long-term aviation requirements. 
Source PTI