GMR Airports announces a three-phase development plan to modernise Nagpur Airport
July 8, 206: GMR Airports has announced a multi-phase expansion plan for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, beginning with an initial investment of ₹300 crore. The announcement comes after Maharashtra Airport Infrastructure Ltd (MIL) handed over nearly 1,000 hectares of land to GMR Nagpur International Airport Ltd (GNIAL), enabling the company to take over operations and start long-term development. GMR Chairman GBS Raju said the project reflects the company’s vision of using airports to drive regional growth and improve connectivity.
The first phase, to be completed within 12 to 18 months, will focus on modernising the existing airport. Planned upgrades include terminal refurbishment, additional check-in counters, self-service kiosks, improved security screening, better passenger lounges, upgraded washrooms, more boarding gates and enhanced passenger access. In the second phase, over the next three to four years, GMR will construct a new integrated terminal with an annual capacity of four million passengers, along with new aircraft parking stands, a cargo terminal, fuel farm, ground handling facilities, expanded parking and commercial infrastructure.
The final phase, expected within five to eight years, includes building a second runway, a new air traffic control tower and upgraded utility infrastructure to support future growth. GMR aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity from three million to 30 million during the 30-year concession period, with the potential to reach 50 million. The company also plans to develop Nagpur into a major cargo and logistics hub with an annual handling capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes and create an Aerocity across nearly 100 hectares to support commercial development.