Nagpur Industry Body Urges PM Modi to Expedite Airport Redevelopment
The Association of Industrial Development (AID), a voluntary organization advocating for regional issues, has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his direct intervention to accelerate the long-pending redevelopment and expansion of Nagpur airport. In its urgent appeal, AID emphasized that the airport's development is absolutely critical for fostering industrial growth across the Vidarbha region.
Status of the Proposal and Central Approval
In its detailed letter, AID highlighted that the Maharashtra government has already addressed all queries raised by central authorities regarding the matter. The proposal to transfer the airport's operations to GMR Airports Limited remains under active consideration at the Union Cabinet level. Given the pressing nature of the issue, AID has urged the Prime Minister to issue specific directions for the expeditious approval and time-bound execution of the Nagpur airport redevelopment project.
Background of the Delayed Project
The redevelopment project was originally awarded to GMR Airports Limited back in 2018. Although a related matter pending before the Supreme Court received a favorable judgment last year, the final approval for the formal handover of the airport to the company is still awaited. According to AID, this ongoing delay represents a significant impediment to the timely implementation and execution of the entire redevelopment initiative.
Link to Major Industrial Investments
The industry body pointed to the large-scale investment commitments secured during the third edition of the Advantage Vidarbha-Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav held in February. This summit witnessed investment commitments and memorandums of understanding worth approximately Rs 42,000 crore. AID stressed that upgraded aviation infrastructure is essential for the timely execution of these pledged projects.
Among the major announcements was a landmark, "game changer" agreement with Mahindra & Mahindra, involving a proposed Rs 15,000 crore integrated manufacturing plant in Vidarbha. The association noted that several states fiercely competed for this project before the region ultimately emerged as the preferred destination.
Growing Investor Confidence and Infrastructure Concerns
The event attracted participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including industrial leaders, multinational corporation representatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and public sector undertakings. This diverse turnout reflects what AID describes as growing investor confidence in Vidarbha's potential. Furthermore, steps have been initiated to establish a Skill and Logistics University in Nagpur district to support emerging industrial requirements.
Despite this positive momentum, AID reported that concerns over inadequate airport infrastructure were repeatedly flagged by investors during discussions. The letter to the Prime Minister emphasized that enhanced air connectivity and expanded airport infrastructure are fundamental prerequisites to support executive travel, efficient air cargo movement, and seamless logistics operations necessary for industrial success.
