Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari today said that the modernization and expansion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, would significantly strengthen Central India's economic landscape by enhancing connectivity, attracting investments, generating employment, and promoting industrial growth across Vidarbha.
Shri Gadkari was speaking at the formal handover ceremony of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, to GMR Group under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri K. Rammohan Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Ramtek MP Shyamkumar Barve, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Praful Patel and Smt. Maya Ivnate
Highlighting Nagpur's strategic location at the geographical centre of India, Shri Gadkari said the city is rapidly emerging as a major hub for trade, logistics, manufacturing, commerce, and multimodal transportation. He noted that the airport's expansion and modernization would further strengthen Nagpur's position as a key driver of economic growth in Central India.
The Union Minister emphasized that the upgraded international airport would play a transformative role in accelerating the growth of tourism, mining, agriculture, and export-oriented industries across the Vidarbha region. Improved aviation infrastructure and connectivity, he said, would facilitate greater movement of passengers and cargo, thereby support regional development and create new business opportunities.
Shri Gadkari urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate direct international flight connectivity from Nagpur to major global destinations such as Singapore and Dubai. Such connectivity, he said, would boost trade, tourism, investment, and business exchanges, while enhancing Nagpur's integration with global markets.
Underscoring the importance of promoting local products and culture, Shri Gadkari suggested showcasing Nagpur's renowned Orange Barfi and other regional specialties at the airport, thereby providing greater visibility to local entrepreneurs and strengthening the cultural identity of Vidarbha.
Shri Gadkari, together with Shri K. Rammohan Naidu and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, unveiled the new logo of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, symbolising a new chapter in the airport's development journey. The Union Minister welcomed the long-term development plans for the airport, including the creation of modern cargo facilities, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure, and enhanced passenger amenities.
These initiatives are expected to support the emergence of Nagpur as an airport-led economic ecosystem and strengthen its role as a logistics and industrial hub. Expressing his gratitude, Shri Gadkari thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri K. Rammohan Naidu for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment towards building world-class infrastructure across the country.
He said such transformative projects are contributing significantly to economic development, improving connectivity, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens. The transfer of Nagpur Airport under the PPP model is expected to usher in a new era of infrastructure development, with phased expansion plans aimed at substantially increasing passenger and cargo handling capacities, attracting investment, generating employment, and strengthening regional connectivity across Central India.