Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur is set for a major transformation, with GMR Airports Ltd announcing a multi-phase modernisation and expansion plan that will begin with an initial investment of around ₹300 crore. The development roadmap was unveiled weeks after GMR Airports took over operations of the airport, with the company aiming to enhance passenger facilities, increase capacity and establish Nagpur as a key aviation and logistics hub for the Vidarbha region. The first phase of the airport upgrade will be carried out over the next eight years and will focus on improving operational efficiency, introducing advanced technology, strengthening sustainability measures and providing world-class passenger amenities.
According to GMR Airports, the immediate upgrades will be aimed at improving the overall travel experience while preparing the airport to handle increasing passenger and cargo demand in the coming years. The long-term expansion plan is designed to significantly increase the airport’s passenger handling capacity. Currently, Nagpur airport can handle around three million passengers annually, but the phased development aims to raise this capacity to 30 million passengers per year during the 30-year concession period. The airport also has the potential to further expand capacity to 50 million passengers annually within the allocated land area, depending on future requirements and growth.
Alongside passenger services, the redevelopment plan places strong emphasis on building Nagpur into a major cargo and logistics centre. The airport is expected to develop long-term cargo handling capabilities of around 150,000 metric tonnes per annum, supporting trade, industrial growth and regional connectivity. With Nagpur's strategic location in central India, the expanded airport is expected to play an important role in connecting businesses and strengthening logistics networks across Maharashtra and neighbouring regions. In an official statement, GMR Airports said the transformation would focus on creating a seamless, efficient and convenient travel experience through modern infrastructure aligned with global standards.
Also Read: Nagpur Airport Upgrade Plan Takes Off With ₹300 Crore First Phase Investment
The company highlighted that the project would combine operational excellence, technology-driven solutions and sustainable practices to create a future-ready airport ecosystem. GMR Airports chairman G B S Raju said the redevelopment of Nagpur airport reflects the group's long-term vision of building world-class aviation infrastructure that improves connectivity and contributes to India's economic growth. He added that the project would support the creation of a stronger aviation ecosystem while enhancing the airport's role in regional development.
Nagpur Airport CEO Srikanth Bhandarkar described the expansion as more than an infrastructure upgrade, calling it a transformation of the overall airport experience. He said the project would focus on improving convenience, efficiency and passenger services while preparing the facility for future growth. The modernisation of Nagpur airport comes at a time when India's aviation sector is witnessing rapid expansion, driven by rising passenger numbers, increasing regional connectivity and growing demand for air cargo services. With the planned investment and phased expansion, the airport is expected to emerge as an important gateway for Vidarbha and a significant contributor to India's aviation and logistics infrastructure growth.
Also Read: Nagpur Airport Upgrade Plan Takes Off With ₹300 Crore First Phase Investment