Nagpur Can Emerge as India’s Next Aerotropolis, Says Civil Aviation Minister at Airport Handover to GMR

Nagpur: 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 GMR, describing the move as a turning point in central India’s aviation and economic growth story.The Nagpur airport was conceptualised as an aerotropolis — a metropolitan subregion whose infrastructure, land use, and economy are centred around a major airport. Instead of the traditional city centre, the airport acts as the core, surrounded by aviation-linked businesses, logistics hubs, hotels, retail centres, and residential developments that thrive on global connectivity.During the airport transfer ceremony, Naidu said Nagpur’s strategic location, MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) operations, infrastructure expansion and cargo potential could transform the city into a modern aviation-led urban and industrial hub, where economic activity develops around the airport ecosystem.

“An airport should not be only a transit point for passengers,” he added.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 a new Terminal 2 planned by GMR would raise capacity to nearly 6 million passengers in coming years. In 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. Highlighting cargo opportunities, the minister said Nagpur could become a major logistics centre for agricultural and manufacturing exports from central India. Referring to 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 ₹29,000 crore and the development of 200 heliports.KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF AEROTROPOLIS CITY:Airport City: At its heart is the airport itself, functioning as a multifunctional complex equipped with shopping malls, entertainment, and office parksBusiness Clusters: Outlying rings and corridors contain time-sensitive industries like e-commerce, high-tech manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and corporate headquarters that rely on rapid global connectivitySeamless Transit: It integrates seamlessly with high-speed railways, expressways, & freight networks for quick passenger and cargo distribution.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Civil Aviation minister Naidu said Nagpur has potential to become an aerotropolis cityThe 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 currently