Nagpur: Voicing concern over prolonged delays, the Association of Industrial Development (AID) has sought direct intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fast-track the long-pending redevelopment and expansion of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur.
In a detailed representation to the Prime Minister, the industry body stressed that modernisation of the airport is no longer optional but essential for sustaining Vidarbha’s accelerating industrial growth. AID pointed out that the Maharashtra Government has already responded to the queries raised by Central authorities, and the proposal to transfer the airport’s operations to GMR Airports Limited is currently awaiting clearance at the Union Cabinet level.
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The redevelopment contract was awarded to GMR Airports Limited in 2018. Although legal hurdles were cleared following a favourable verdict by the Supreme Court of India last year, the formal approval for handing over the airport to the private operator is still pending. According to AID, this delay has emerged as a major bottleneck, holding back the execution of the long-envisioned expansion plan.
The association underlined that the region recently witnessed unprecedented investment interest during the third edition of Advantage Vidarbha – Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav held in February. The summit reportedly secured investment commitments and memorandums of understanding worth around Rs 42,000 crore. A major highlight was a proposed Rs 15,000 crore integrated manufacturing facility by Mahindra & Mahindra, described by organisers as a transformative project for Vidarbha. Several states were said to be in the race before the region was selected.
Industrial leaders, multinational corporations, MSMEs and public sector undertakings participated in the summit, signalling rising investor confidence. Plans to establish a Skill and Logistics University in Nagpur district were also initiated to meet future industrial demands.
However, AID noted that despite this positive momentum, investors repeatedly flagged inadequate airport infrastructure as a critical concern. The body maintained that enhanced air connectivity, expanded passenger capacity and strengthened air cargo facilities are indispensable to facilitate executive travel, boost exports, and ensure seamless logistics support for upcoming projects.
Calling the matter urgent, AID urged the Prime Minister to ensure time-bound approval and implementation of the redevelopment plan to prevent Vidarbha’s growth story from losing pace.
