GMR Finally Lands, Hope Soars On Flyer Boom

Nagpur: GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNAIL) plans to draw the final blueprint after taking over 1,320 hectares on lease from Mihan India Limited (MIL), the current operator. Nagpur will be the sixth Indian airport to be taken over by GMR, which has already lined up Rs 2,600cr loan from Tata Capital for the mega project, though the initial capital infusion will depend on early estimates.A new terminal building is expected to come four-five years down the line, said top sources. Ultimately, the plan is to take the passenger capacity to 3 crores from the current 30 lakh. However, this is the peak capacity envisaged, and the development would only happen step by step, said sources. GNAIL will be operating the airport through a joint venture for a period of 30 years. Since it's a brownfield airport, work will be carried out without disturbing existing operations.A govt press release after the Union cabinet's decision states GNAIL is expected to transform Nagpur airport into a world-class facility, enhancing its position in central India, increasing connectivity and economic infrastructure.GMR plans to begin with improving amenities in the existing building, before moving to Mihan-SEZ, where a new terminal will be built in four to five years. Other decisions, like laying a second runway, would be considered depending on traffic in coming days, said a source. A new terminal has been planned on land between the existing runway and the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) depots in the SEZ. The exact location would be finalised when the blueprint is ready, said sources.As per the 30-year lease deal, GMR would give 14.49% of the gross revenue earned through operations to MIL. Initially, there are plans to kickstart with existing facilities and the first priority would be to create better passenger experience through revamp.The current airport extends towards Jaitala on one side and Shivangaon village towards Mihan-SEZ on the other. This provides ample land for building a new terminal and other expansion. The last recorded revenue by MIL stood at Rs 150 crore — handling 34 flights, including two international services.A govt press release said the move is expected to usher in a new era for Nagpur airport in terms of growth and infrastructural development. With private sector efficiency and govt oversight, the airport is poised to see significant investment, modernisation and improved passenger and cargo handling.GFX GFXInitial plan is to improve facilities within the existing terminalsNew terminal may be built in 4-5 years after assessing the dynamicsAim is to enhance passenger handling capacity to 3 crore from 30lakhNew terminal may come up close to aircraft MROs in MihanNagpur airport is spread over 1,320 hectaresIt is a Code-E compliant runwayGMR will run the airport for 30 years