Mumbai, Oct. 27 -- Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur is set for a major terminal refurbishment intended to modernise infrastructure, improve passenger movement and upgrade the travel experience. GMR Nagpur International Airport (GNIAL), the operator, is preparing to revamp approximately 19,500 square metres of the existing terminal after securing the necessary regulatory clearances.
GNIAL has completed financial closure for the project, advanced design development and appointed contractors, according to Chief Executive Officer Srikanth Bhandarkar. Construction will begin after the required approvals are secured, with the first phase scheduled for completion within 12 to 18 months from the start of work, subject to the execution schedule.
The refurbishment will add four self-bag-drop counters and five self-check-in kiosks to make pre-boarding procedures more convenient. Four additional X-ray machines will strengthen security-screening capacity, while an expanded forecourt kerb area is intended to improve drop-off access and traffic movement outside the terminal.
The plan also includes upgraded washrooms, dedicated domestic and international lounges, and an increase in bus boarding gates from two to four. These changes are intended to provide greater flexibility in handling passengers and improve boarding operations. The project remains dependent on the completion of regulatory formalities, and its timeline will begin only after construction starts.
GNIAL has introduced several service improvements over the past three months while preparing the larger project. Passenger support associates and queue managers have been deployed at key locations, and the Digi Yatra facial-recognition process has been enhanced. Lighting, landscaping, aerobridge carpets and terminal fragrance systems have also been upgraded.
Additional trays and preparation tables at security checkpoints are intended to reduce inconvenience, while trolley availability and baggage services have been improved. GNIAL has strengthened housekeeping and pest-control measures, and doctors, paramedics and technicians are available round the clock for medical and essential passenger support. Together, the measures are intended to combine infrastructure upgrades with improved terminal management and amenities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.