Nagpur, June 24, 2026: Union Civil Aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Thursday pitched an ambitious vision for Nagpur as an “aerotropolis city” while formally handing over the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport to the GMR Group, describing the move as a turning point in central India’s aviation and economic growth story.Speaking at the airport transfer ceremony, Naidu said Nagpur’s strategic location, planned infrastructure expansion and cargo potential could help transform the city into a modern aviation-led urban and industrial hub where economic activity develops around the airport ecosystem.“An airport should not remain only a transit point for passengers. Nagpur has the potential to become an aerotropolis where aviation, logistics, cargo, business and urban growth move together,” Naidu said.Beginning his address in Marathi and referring to Deekshabhoomi and Nagpur’s historical significance, the minister described the occasion as “a historic day and a moment of happiness” after nearly nine years of discussions and planning around the airport’s expansion and public-private partnership model.Naidu credited chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister Nitin Gadkari and former Union minister Praful Patel for consistently pursuing the project. “This is not merely a handover to GMR. The Centre, Maharashtra govt and private sector will work together for the people of Nagpur,” he said.The minister said the airport’s current annual passenger handling capacity stands at around 3.5 million and that a new Terminal 2 planned by GMR would increase capacity to nearly 6 million passengers in the coming years. Under the long-term master plan, the airport is expected to eventually handle up to 30 million passengers annually.He also announced that a new runway would be developed as part of the expansion, strengthening Nagpur’s position in India’s aviation network.Naidu placed particular emphasis on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services, saying India must reduce dependence on foreign countries for aviation maintenance and spare parts. “Nagpur is best suited to become an MRO hub because of its location and available space. We want to build a self-reliant MRO ecosystem under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.Highlighting cargo opportunities, the minister said Nagpur could become a major logistics centre for agricultural and manufacturing exports from central India. Referring to examples from Assam, he said improved air connectivity enabled farmers to export produce directly to international markets within days.“We can create similar opportunities for Vidarbha’s oranges, handicrafts, silk and agro-products,” he said.Naidu also outlined the Centre’s broader aviation expansion strategy, noting that India increased the number of airports from 74 in 2014 to 165 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. He said the UDAN regional connectivity scheme would be extended for another 10 years with a planned expenditure of Rs 29,000 crore and the development of 200 heliports.Box — Nagpur to be among 30 spoke airports linked to six major metro aviation hubsThe minister announced that Nagpur would be among 30 spoke airports linked to six major metro aviation hubs under a new international connectivity framework. Under the system, passengers from cities such as Nagpur would be able to complete immigration and baggage formalities locally before boarding international connecting flights through hub airports.“India is preparing to become a global aviation hub through reform, transformation and infrastructure expansion,” Naidu said.Praising GMR’s international experience, including operations in Greece and major Indian airports such as Goa, the minister expressed confidence that the company would deliver “A-grade infrastructure” in Nagpur.#Key TakeawaysCivil Aviation minister Naidu said Nagpur has the potential to become an aerotropolis cityNagpur airport was formally handed over to GMR Group under the PPP modelThe airport’s long-term master plan targets annual capacity of 3 crore passengersA new runway and Terminal 2 will significantly expand operational capacityNagpur is being positioned as a major MRO and cargo hub in central IndiaThe minister highlighted export opportunities for Vidarbha’s oranges, handicrafts and agro-productsIndia’s airport network has expanded from 74 airports in 2014 to 165 airports currentlyNagpur will be linked to a new hub-and-spoke international aviation network
