Mumbai, 25 June (HS): Speaking during the Nagpur airport's

formal handover to GMR Group under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model,

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari hailed Nagpur as

one of India's most strategically positioned cities due to its location in the

country's geographic center. The modernization and expansion of Dr. Babasaheb

Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur are expected to reshape Central

India's economic landscape by improving connectivity, attracting new investments,

and creating new job opportunities, Gadkari said.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister

Devendra Fadnavis, Ramtek MP Shyamkumar Barve, Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel, and

MLA Maya Ivnate all attended the occasion. The event marked the start of a new

chapter in airport development, with the private operator planning long-term

infrastructure expansion and upgrading.

Gadkari stated that the city has steadily grown into an

important destination for trade, logistics, industry, and commerce, while its

expanding multimodal transportation network has enhanced its role in linking

various areas of India. He stated that the airport's development will assist to

sustain this momentum and establish Nagpur as a significant economic hub in

Central India.

The Union Minister stated that an enhanced international airport will help to

expand numerous sectors in the Vidarbha area, including tourism, mining,

agriculture, and export-oriented companies. Better aviation infrastructure

would speed up the flow of passengers and goods, making it simpler for

enterprises to reach local and international markets and stimulating new

commercial activity throughout the area.

Gadkari also urged on the Ministry of Civil Aviation to

provide direct international flights from Nagpur to Singapore and Dubai.

According to him, these routes will promote business connectivity, develop

trade connections, increase tourist visits, and attract more investment by

offering direct access between Nagpur and important global economic hubs.

He emphasized that airports could act as platforms for

promoting regional identities and local companies. Gadkari proposed that items

linked with Nagpur, like as the well-known Orange Barfi and other local

specialties, be presented at the airport. He claimed such programs will provide

visibility for local enterprises while also introducing visitors to the

Vidarbha region's cultural heritage.

During the occasion, Gadkari, Civil Aviation Minister K.

Rammohan Naidu, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the new logo for

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. The new identity marks the

airport's next stage of growth as it prepares for major infrastructural

enhancements.

The expansion plans include the construction of modern cargo processing

facilities, MRO infrastructure, and improved passenger amenities. These

initiatives are planned to help build an airport-led economic ecosystem by

recruiting aviation-related industries, improving logistics operations, and

stimulating industrial expansion around the airport. Gadkari thanked Prime

Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu for

supporting infrastructure projects that improve connectivity across the

country.

He stated that investments in modern transportation

infrastructure are critical to accelerate economic development while increasing

individuals' quality of life through increased mobility and regional

connectivity.

The handover of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport

to GMR Group under the PPP model is intended to open the door for gradual

growth in the following years. The project intends to greatly improve passenger

and cargo handling capacity, create job opportunities, attract private

investment, and reinforce Nagpur's status as a key logistical, industrial, and

aviation center in Central India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi