Handing over of Ngp airport to GMR postponed till mid-May

 

 

 

The long-anticipated transformation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, to be undertaken by GMR Airports Limited (GAL), is delayed. GMR was to take charge of development work from April 2025. Now, it is likely to be done by mid-May. Highly placed sources in Delhi told ‘The Hitavada’ that GMR is ready to take over and start work at any given time but the delay is caused from Maharashtra Government’s end. The total sanctioned amount for this transformational project is Rs 700 crore. The upgradation is set to create a state-of-the-art airport infrastructure, which will expand both passenger and cargo operations. A key objective of MIHAN has always been to position Nagpur as a cargo hub, significantly enhancing cargo handling and logistics in the region. The role of MIHAN India Limited is to monitor the work progress of GMR.

 

Considering its significance, Government has given this responsibility to District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar, who is also Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Airport (MIL). Dr Itankar told ‘The Hitavada’ that in a recently held meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed to speed up the work and the administration is working accordingly. Dr Itankar said, “At this juncture, the airport is managed by MIHAN India Limited (MIL), a joint venture between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). I am constantly in touch with Delhi office of AAI. The procedure takes a little time which includes land acquisition and handing over the airport removing all hurdles.” GMR Airports will lead the transformation of city airport into a world-class facility. The first phase of this transformation includes enhancing the passenger terminal capacity to 4 million passengers annually.

 

This ambitious project will also involve upgrading existing infrastructure, building a modern cargo terminal, and improving airside facilities with a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. GMR Nagpur International Airport (GNIAL, a 100% subsidiary of GAL) and MIHAN India executed the concession agreement for the project. This transformation is set to not only enhance connectivity within the Vidarbha region but also strengthen its economic infrastructure. GAL’s commitment to modernising and expanding the airport includes a significant boost in cargo handling capabilities – increasing the capacity to 20,000 metric tons, said an official on condition of anonymity. Dr Itankar stated, “It is the dream project of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and we too are striving hard. Now it will get momentum.”

 

The battle in court delayed the project a bit but Fadnavis was consistently following it. Even Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attributed the credit to of bringing GMR to Nagpur to Fadnavis during the ground breaking ceremony. A well-equipped building of 3 lakh square feet will be raised in this project, which will be built at a cost of around Rs 7,000 crore.” GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is expected to upgrade, develop, and operate Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport and transform the Airport into a modern aviation hub with advanced facilities. GMR Airports Limited (GAL), will lead the transformation of Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport into a world-class facility. The project is part of India’s larger vision to elevate the country’s aviation infrastructure to global standards, ensuring seamless connectivity and supporting the growth of regional economies. The first phase of this transformation includes enhancing the passenger terminal capacity to 4 million passengers annually. This ambitious project will also involve upgrading existing infrastructure, building a modern cargo terminal, and improving airside facilities with a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower.