Nagpur Airport – GMR Unveils Long-Term Expansion and Modernisation Roadmap
Nagpur Airport – GMR Airports Ltd has announced a wide-ranging development programme for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, weeks after assuming operational control of the facility. The company has outlined a multi-stage expansion strategy designed to improve passenger services, increase airport capacity and strengthen Nagpur’s role in regional air connectivity and logistics. The first stage of the project will involve an estimated investment of Rs 300 crore.
Initial Works to Focus on Passenger Comfort and Operations
The first phase is expected to bring immediate improvements to the existing airport infrastructure. GMR Airports said the investment will be directed towards operational upgrades, modern technology systems, sustainability measures and better amenities for travellers. The objective is to make airport processes smoother while raising service standards for passengers using the Nagpur facility.
The company plans to carry out the development programme over the next eight years as part of a broader 30-year concession period. During this time, the airport operator intends to create facilities that can support future growth in passenger traffic and commercial aviation activity across Vidarbha.
Capacity Planned to Rise Significantly Over Concession Period
At present, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport can handle around three million passengers annually. Under the long-term expansion plan, GMR Airports aims to raise this capacity to 30 million passengers per year by the end of the concession period.
The available land parcel could also allow the airport to expand further in the future. According to the company, the site has the potential to eventually accommodate up to 50 million passengers annually, depending on demand and future development requirements.
The planned expansion is expected to support Nagpur’s growing importance as a central location for business travel, tourism, industrial movement and regional connectivity. Improved airport infrastructure could also help attract additional domestic and international airline operations over time.
Cargo and Logistics Facilities Form a Key Part of Strategy
Along with passenger terminal development, GMR Airports has placed significant emphasis on cargo operations. The airport is proposed to become an important cargo and logistics centre, with a long-term handling capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes each year.
Nagpur’s location in central India gives it an advantage for cargo distribution and supply-chain operations. The proposed logistics infrastructure is expected to support the movement of goods across Maharashtra and other parts of the country, while also improving connectivity for businesses in the Vidarbha region.
The company said the project will focus on developing efficient systems and facilities that meet international aviation standards. This includes improving the overall flow of passengers, baggage, cargo and airport services through better planning and technology-led operations.
GMR Highlights Long-Term Aviation Vision
GMR Airports Chairman G B S Raju said the Nagpur airport project reflects the group’s broader approach towards building aviation infrastructure that improves connectivity and contributes to national economic growth. He said the company aims to create airport ecosystems that can serve passengers, airlines, businesses and surrounding regions more effectively.
Nagpur Airport CEO Srikanth Bhandarkar said the planned work would go beyond physical expansion and would seek to improve the overall travel experience. The focus, he said, would remain on making the airport more convenient, efficient and prepared for future demand.
The modernisation plan marks the beginning of a new phase for Nagpur airport, with GMR Airports setting out a long-term roadmap that combines passenger growth, cargo development, technology and sustainability. As the project moves through its stages, the airport is expected to play a larger role in connecting Vidarbha with key destinations across India and beyond.