GMR highest bidder for Nagpur airport

​New Delhi: GMR Airports Limited, a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure, has emerged as the highest bidder for development, operations and management of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur on a public private partnership (PPP) basis.

MIHAN India Limited, a joint venture between Maharashtra Airport Development Company (a Government of Maharashtra undertaking) and Airport Authority of India, had started the RFP process to privatize the Nagpur Airport in March 2018. The project involves up-gradation, modernisation, operation and maintenance of Nagpur airport for a period of 30 years and includes construction of a new terminal, among other works. Two bidders - GMR Airports and GVK - submitted their bids. GMR Airports Limited has submitted highest revenue share bid and expecting Letter of Award shortly.

GBS Raju, Business Chairman, GMR Airports, said: “We look forward to work on this prestigious airport and to upgrade the existing airport to global standards which would be a matter of pride for the city of Nagpur and provide a further fillip to the economic potential of Vidarbha region.”

Sidharath Kapur, Executive Director, GMR Airports Limited, added: “Nagpur airport is a strategically located high potential airport. It will be a welcome addition to our growing portfolio of Indian and global airports and strengthen the airport platform of GMR Airports. We eagerly look forward to completing the formalities and commence the concession early 2019.”

In FY2017-18, Nagpur Airport had handled 2.18 million passengers and 7800 MT cargo. Over the past 5 years, the passenger traffic at the airport has grown at 11 per cent CAGR while the airport ranks 17th in India in terms of cargo traffic. Nagpur is located strategically at the geographical centre of India. It is the second capital of Maharashtra and the 3rd largest city in Maharashtra by population after Mumbai and Pune.