Modern facilities, including express security lane, to come up within 18 months  

 

Less than two weeks after taking over operations at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, GMR Airports has rolled out the first phase of its modernisation plan, announcing an investment of around Rs 300 crore to upgrade the existing terminal and improve the overall passenger experience. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, GMR Group Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer S G K Kishore, along with Nagpur Airport CEO Shrikant Bhandarkar, summarised the company’s roadmap following its takeover of airport operations on June 25. They said the initial phase, focused entirely on refurbishing the existing terminal, is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months before work begins on larger expansion projects. “Our immediate priority is to deliver a much better experience for passengers. We want Nagpur Airport to offer world-class service quality supported by technology and efficient operations,” Kishore said.

 

The upgrade will begin with improvements aimed at reducing congestion and making passenger movement smoother. Plans include widening the terminal forecourt, adding more check-in counters and self-check-in kiosks, expanding the security screening area with additional X-ray machines and introducing a dedicated express security lane for passengers travelling with only hand baggage. Inside the terminal, passengers can expect upgraded washrooms, more comfortable seating, improved flight information display systems, clearer signage and better retail and food options. New domestic and international lounges are also planned. GMR will additionally deploy ‘May I Help You’ personnel across the terminal to assist travellers and make navigation easier. Bhandarkar said the airport’s overall look and feel would change remarkably once the refurbishment is complete, with a strong focus on reducing waiting time and making travel more comfortable. The airport will remain operational during the upgrade. Travellers will start noticing visible improvements in facilities and services over the coming months, he said. While the refurbishment work gets underway, GMR has also started detailed design work for the airport’s long-term expansion. However, company officials made it clear that the immediate priority is to upgrade the existing infrastructure instead of waiting for a new terminal to be built. Kishore said that GMR hopes to complete the project well before the timeline specified in the concession agreement.

 

“Although the agreement provides for completion by 2030, we will make every effort to finish the project earlier. Our track record shows that we have delivered major airport projects ahead of schedule. Of course, the timeline will also depend on statutory and environmental clearances,” he said. Drawing on GMR’s experience in developing airports at Hyderabad, Delhi and Goa, Kishore said the company plans to bring the same standards of technology, innovation and operational efficiency to Nagpur. “We are not just upgrading a terminal. We are introducing better technology, innovation and high service standards that passengers expect,” he added.

 

 

The expansion of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport will be about more than better air travel as the airport would become an economic engine that can generate jobs, attract investments and accelerate the overall development of Vidarbha. GMR Group Executive Director S G K Kishore said modern airports have evolved into centres of economic activity that fuel business, trade and regional growth. “Our vision is not limited to operating an airport. We want Nagpur Airport to become the economic engine of Central India by creating an entire aviation ecosystem that generates investments, employment and new opportunities,” he said. Kishore pointed to international studies to highlight the wider economic impact of improved air connectivity. According to him, every 10 per cent increase in air connectivity can contribute nearly 0.5 per cent to economic growth, while every one million passengers handled annually creates nearly 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across different sectors.

 

“As passenger traffic grows, employment grows. Jobs are created not only within the airport but also in hospitality, transport, logistics, retail and several support industries,” he said. The company expects the airport’s expansion to open up employment opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled workers while encouraging fresh investments. Better connectivity is also expected to give industries across Vidarbha easier access to domestic and international markets. Kishore said Nagpur already has several strengths that make it an attractive investment destination. Besides being located at the geographical centre of India, the city has a strong manufacturing base, the MIHAN project, excellent road and rail connectivity and is also recognised as a major education hub that attracts students from across the country. Better connectivity will strengthen all these sectors. Investors prefer cities that are well connected by air because it makes business easier and faster, he said. The company also expects tourism to receive a remarkable boost as improved air connectivity makes Nagpur and the wider Vidarbha region more accessible to domestic and international travellers.

 

Easier access could benefit wildlife tourism, religious destinations and heritage sites across the region. Drawing from GMR’s experience at Hyderabad Airport, Kishore said the transformation there showed how modern aviation infrastructure can reshape the economy of an entire region. Passenger traffic increased nearly tenfold after GMR developed the airport, while improved domestic and international connectivity attracted businesses and investments. “We have seen this transformation before. Hyderabad is a successful example of how an airport can change the economic profile of an entire region. We believe Nagpur has similar potential,” he said. Officials said GMR will work closely with governments, airlines and other stakeholders to improve international connectivity and unlock Vidarbha’s economic potential.

 

 

 

 

 Smart airport blueprint unveiled for Nagpur 

 

A futuristic master plan for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport was unveiled by GMR Airports with a vision for a modern aviation hub equipped with smart technology, sustainable infrastructure and facilities designed to meet the city’s long-term aviation needs. At a press conference on Wednesday, GMR officials presented the blueprint for the airport’s phased expansion and stated that the project is aimed to create an efficient, future-ready airport. One of the biggest highlights of the master plan is a new integrated passenger terminal inspired by Nagpur’s iconic Diamond Crossing. Officials said the design will reflect the city’s identity while incorporating contemporary architecture, modern passenger amenities and efficient aircraft operations. The blueprint also includes a second runway, which will remarkably improve aircraft movement and prepare the airport to handle future growth in passenger traffic and flight operations. To strengthen air traffic management, GMR plans to construct a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower along with technical buildings equipped with advanced communication and navigation systems to enhance operational safety and efficiency.

 

The company will develop a solar farm within the airport premises to support clean energy generation and reduce the airport’s carbon footprint. Green infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible construction practices have been incorporated into the overall design. Another major feature is an underground fuel hydrant system, which will replace the conventional practice of transporting aviation fuel through tanker vehicles. Officials said this will improve operational efficiency, reduce vehicle movement on the airside and enhance safety. The master plan also provides for a new fuel farm to ensure adequate fuel storage and a reliable supply as flight operations expand in the coming years. Recognising the increasing demand for trained aviation professionals, GMR will establish a Skill Development Centre to support workforce training for airport-related services. The airport’s future infrastructure will also include dedicated water supply, storage and treatment facilities, a new power distribution network, utility buildings and other essential services required for long-term operations. Officials said the airport has been planned as a smart aviation hub where digital technologies will play a central role in passenger processing, airport management and overall operational efficiency. The project will be executed in multiple phases to allow airport capacity meet future demand.