GMR bets big on Nagpur, envisions India’s next Atlanta aviation hub Nagpur Airport is being positioned as a future “Atlanta of India,” with GMR Airports chairman GBS Raju envisioning the city as a major logistics and aviation hub. The company plans to take over the airport within about two weeks and launch a major expansion project. This includes renovating the existing terminal, constructing a new integrated domestic-cum-international terminal, and eventually adding a second runway to achieve an annual passenger capacity of 3 crore. Raju emphasized that Nagpur’s strategic location and logistical advantages will make it a critical node for both passenger and cargo traffic, similar to how FedEx transformed Dallas-Fort Worth into a U.S. logistics hub. The expansion roadmap, shared exclusively with The Times of India, outlines immediate steps such as renovating the current terminal, with designs already finalized. A team of 140 workers is on-site, and financial closure for the project has been secured. The new terminal, designed to be modular, will allow phased expansion as passenger numbers grow. Raju noted that the airport’s capacity will increase over time, with a second runway expected within eight years to meet future demand. Currently, Nagpur Airport handles 40 lakh passengers annually, with 25 lakh passengers recorded in FY26. It is connected to over 15 destinations and has handled more than eight million tonnes of cargo. The airport’s strategic importance is further highlighted by its role as a logistical hub, with existing infrastructure like the Indamer Technics MRO facility, recently acquired by Adani Group. Global aerospace and defense companies are also exploring opportunities in Nagpur, citing its growing ecosystem.#times_of_india #mihan #nagpur_airport #gmr_airports #gb_s_rajus
