GMR Launches 1st Major Tender Push For Nagpur Airport Expansion After Cabinet Nod

Nagpur: In the first big step towards a major overhaul of Nagpur's airport infrastructure, GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL) has floated a four-pronged tender covering terminal expansion, airside upgrades, civil construction and utility infrastructure works at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.The move comes days after the Union Cabinet cleared the long-pending airport development proposal which signals the beginning of an integrated modernization exercise to expand passenger capacity and strengthen operational infrastructure at the city airport.According to tender documents issued by GNIAL, the project has been split into four separate packages to allow parallel execution of multiple infrastructure components and faster implementation.The first package focuses on expansion and modernization of the existing passenger terminal building. The proposed work includes civil and structural construction, architectural development, finishing works, sanitary installations and associated infrastructure intended to improve passenger handling capacity and overall airport facilities.The second package covers extensive rehabilitation and infrastructure works across both airside and landside zones. This includes excavation and pavement works for the airfield, development of a new apron MARS stand, overlay works on Taxiway-B and the link taxiway, construction of perimeter roads, drainage improvements and modifications to operational airport buildings. The package also proposes interface works connecting different functional zones within airport premises.The third package relates specifically to excavation and formation works required for future airside and landside infrastructure development.The fourth package includes Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) works such as HVAC systems, firefighting infrastructure, fire alarm systems, plumbing networks, stormwater drainage and internal and external electrical and lighting installations.The latest tender marks a formal acceleration of groundwork that had quietly started nearly a year ago. Records available on the GMR website show that GNIAL had floated Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and preliminary tender notices for similar works much before receiving final Cabinet approval.The initial EOI for terminal expansion and rehabilitation works was issued on June 2, 2025, followed by multiple addenda on June 6, June 11, June 16 and September 19. The sequence indicates that contractor identification and market assessment exercises had already commenced in anticipation of policy clearances.The newly floated tenders now convert those preparatory exercises into executable infrastructure contracts, potentially paving way for one of the biggest airport upgrades undertaken in Nagpur in recent years.The airport modernization project assumes significance amid rising passenger traffic, increasing cargo potential and Nagpur's growing positioning as a logistics, industrial and multimodal transport hub under the MIHAN ecosystem.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026