Cabinet clears major upgrade of Nagpur international airport under PPP model

The Union Cabinet has approved the long-awaited upgradation and modernisation of Nagpur International Airport under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, clearing a major hurdle for the expansion of Central India’s aviation infrastructure.

The approval includes extending the Airports Authority of India’s land lease to MIHAN India Ltd beyond August 2039, enabling GMR Nagpur International Airport Ltd (GNIAL) to proceed with airport operations and large-scale infrastructure development.

The project is expected to bring significant investment into the airport ecosystem, including a new international terminal, enhanced cargo facilities, passenger infrastructure upgrades, and future runway expansion. Industry stakeholders believe the modernisation could increase the airport’s annual handling capacity from nearly 3 million passengers to as high as 30 million over the long term.

Officials stated that the development will strengthen the MIHAN project, improve regional connectivity, boost logistics capabilities, and accelerate economic growth across Vidarbha and Central India.

The move also aligns with India’s broader aviation infrastructure push as the country prepares for sustained passenger and cargo traffic growth over the coming decades.