GMR to woo FedEx, UPS to Nagpur, cargo plans to boost air connectivity Nagpur: GMR Aero, which has assumed operational control of Nagpur airport—a 100-year-old facility originally constructed during the World Wars—has outlined plans to attract major global logistics firms such as FedEx and United Parcel Services (UPS) to establish cargo operations in the city. The initiative aims to position Nagpur as a key global transit hub by leveraging its strategic geographical location and the airport’s historical significance. GMR’s strategy involves deploying freighter aircraft, which exclusively carry cargo, to operate from Nagpur, with the goal of transforming the airport into a multi-modal cargo hub through private investment. The company’s vision is rooted in the historical use of the site during wartime, when the British established an airstrip here, later adopted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its IL76 jumbo transporters until the late 2000s. GMR is drawing inspiration from this legacy, emphasizing Nagpur’s potential to serve as a critical node in global logistics networks. The airport’s location, which spans Central India, is expected to facilitate connections to major economic regions, enabling the city to tap into a vast catchment area. GMR is also exploring the development of the airport as an ATF (aviation turbine fuel) refueling hub, a move that could attract more flights and enhance connectivity. Hyderabad, where GMR operates another airport, already serves as an ATF hub, and the company is reportedly seeking a reduction in value-added tax (VAT) rates on fuel—up to 1%—to make Nagpur competitive. “Nagpur has the potential to generate local cargo and tap the huge catchment area straddling Central India.#gmr_group #ups #nagpur_airport #fedex #gmr_aero
Nagpur Aerocity to be as big as Delhi, revamped terminal to be ready in 18 months Nagpur is set to develop a sprawling business district near its expanded airport, with the project spanning an area comparable to Delhi’s Aerocity. GMR Aero, which has assumed operations for the next 30 years, has allocated 100 hectares for city-side development. This includes the Aerocity concept, a model introduced by GMR at its airports, which involves constructing a commercial hub with retail chains, hotels, and office spaces alongside the airport. The initiative is expected to boost real estate and the local economy, with GMR projecting the creation of 30,000 jobs through airport development. The Delhi Aerocity, also managed by GMR, covers 93 hectares, making the Nagpur project nearly equivalent in size. The expansion will unfold gradually as passenger traffic and business grow. In the first phase, GMR plans to invest Rs 300 crore to refurbish the existing Nagpur airport and complete the revamped terminal within 18 months. After this, construction of the new terminal will commence. The total investment in the Nagpur project is estimated at Rs 1,600 crore, though it could increase further. The current terminal spans 19,500 square meters and is expected to handle 3.1 million passengers by 2027. As part of the revamp, GMR will add entry gates, expedite check-in processes, create a dedicated channel for passengers with only hand baggage, and install additional security gates. A parallel taxiway will be built alongside the existing runway, and an underground fuelling system will help reduce congestion. All seating areas, lounges, and toilets will be refurbished. Cargo handling capacity at the current terminal stands at 10,800 tonnes, and GMR aims to double this within the existing building, reaching full capacity.#nagpur #nagpur_airport #gmr_aero #delhi_aerocity #gmr
