Nagpur, June 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Thursday that Nagpur Airport will serve as a catalyst for development in Vidarbha and Central India. This is particularly significant as substantial investments are flowing into maintenance command, auto-aviation, and defense aviation manufacturing sectors in and around Nagpur.
Fadnavis highlighted that the growth of these industries, along with agriculture, tourism, and other sectors, will accelerate, positioning Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagpur Airport as the economic hub for Nagpur, Vidarbha, and Central India.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a ceremony to hand over the airport to GMR Company. The event was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.
Fadnavis noted that while new airports are being constructed across the country, the government has decided to enhance Nagpur Airport’s size and aesthetics. Tenders were issued in 2018, and GMR was selected in 2019. However, legal challenges in the High Court and Supreme Court delayed the process until a favorable ruling was reached.
He emphasized that continuous discussions with the central government took place regarding this project, with Prime Minister Modi providing full support. Subsequently, the Union Cabinet approved the plan, and on Thursday, the airport was officially handed over to GMR for modernization, expansion, and development.
The Chief Minister stated that two terminals and two runways are essential for passenger and cargo traffic at the airport. With this transfer, the path for these developments is now clear. The airport also boasts good metro and road connectivity.
He assured that connectivity will be improved in the coming years, and significant changes in facilities and infrastructure for passengers will be visible within a year. The entire project aims for completion by 2029.
Fadnavis also mentioned that the state government will provide land and all possible support for the multi-modal international cargo hub in Nagpur, as well as for the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. The industrial growth in Nagpur and Vidarbha will benefit neighboring states like Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, making the airport a central hub for economic progress in the region.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari described this initiative as a historic step, ensuring excellent air services for passengers and a significant boost to exports through the cargo hub. Nagpur is well-connected to all major metro cities in the country and is recognized as a logistics hub, thus fulfilling the need for airport development and an additional runway.
He also pointed out that the region is home to over 350 tigers in nearby reserves, which will further promote tourism.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Scindia remarked that this transfer is not merely about the airport but signifies a flight towards the development of Vidarbha. The airport will no longer be just a transit point but will emerge as a major center for industrial growth, opening new opportunities through the cargo hub.
He expressed confidence that the airport’s current annual capacity of 3 million passengers will double to 6 million and could eventually reach 30 million. Direct flights to international destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, Europe, and the USA will be prioritized.
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