The long-stalled development story of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport entered a new era as the management and development rights were transferred from MIHAN India Limited (MIL) to GMR group under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model over the next 30 years. GMR group formally took over the control of the airport at a programme held in airport premises on Thursday. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister; Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways; Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation; and Praful Patel, Member of Rajya Sabha; were prominently present in the programme.

 

The efforts for redeveloping the city’s airport were on for more than a decade. However, various legal issues and changes in Government hampered the handing over of the airport. The GMR group has proposed a multi-phase modernisation plan for the airport, including increasing passenger capacity, better experience, and increased cargo carrying capacity. The Phase-1 of the development includes renovation of existing terminal to be completed within one year. The redevelopment is expected to increase passenger carrying capacity of the terminal to 30 lakh passengers each year. It will also include increasing number of entry and exit gates, self-baggage drop facility along with self check-in kiosks, and new lounges along with enhanced shopping experience. The second phase will include a world-class integrated terminal within 36 months.

 

This new terminal will have 24 check-in counters, 12 self check-in kiosks, and 8 screening lanes with automated data retrieval system at security screening zone. The new terminal will also have arrival hall with 3 baggage reclaim carousels, a blend of new retail and F&B offerings, modern lounges for passengers, and improved duty-free offerings for international travellers. Phase 2 will also include development of additional taxiways to maximise aircraft movement, and new aircraft parking stands. The third phase of comprehensive development plan, estimated to be completed by 2034, includes construction of new runway of 3,800 metres length to facilitate seamless movement of aircraft along with a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. The complete redevelopment of the airport will increase the passenger carrying capacity of the airport to 50 lakh passengers per annum, and 20,000 MT cargo carrying capacity with a dedicated cargo terminal. 

 

“This is not merely the transfer of an airport. It is giving wings to Vidarbha’s development,” said Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Civil Aviation Minister, while speaking at the ceremony. He added that, the airport would evolve into a major centre for passenger traffic, cargo operations and industrial growth. “Nagpur has the potential to become one of India’s aviation hubs,” he stated. Naidu said, the redevelopment would substantially increase passenger handling capacity in phases and that, the Centre would prioritise expanding international connectivity from Nagpur. “We will work towards connecting Nagpur directly with destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, Europe and the United States, making it a gateway for Central India,” he added. 

 

Nagpur airport will become the growth engine of Central India: CM Fadnavis 

“Nagpur airport will emerge as the growth engine of Nagpur, Vidarbha and Central India,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, describing the airport transfer as the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s economic development. Recalling that the redevelopment process began in 2018, he said, GMR was zeroed in in 2019, but legal challenges delayed the project until approvals were secured from the courts, the Centre and the Union Cabinet. “The road is now clear for the airport’s expansion and modernisation,” he said. Fadnavis said, the upgraded airport would support investments in MRO, defence aviation manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. He expressed hope that passengers would notice a dramatic transformation in facilities within a year and that, major redevelopment would be completed by 2029. He assured full support from the State Government, including land from MIHAN and MIDC, besides improved Metro and road connectivity.