Nagpur airport terminal to be renovated, with more gates, counters and X-ray machines

Preparations to improve passenger facilities and modernise operations at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur have gathered pace. GMR Nagpur International Airport Limited (GNIAL), a GMR Aero group company, has planned a large-scale renovation of the terminal. Facilities in the check-in, security check, boarding and arrival areas will be expanded.

Under the plan, about 19,500 square metres of the existing terminal will be renovated. The aim is to improve passenger facilities and raise the airport's capacity. Work will begin after regulatory approval is received.

According to GNIAL Chief Executive Officer Shrikant Bhandarkar, several improvements have also been made over the past three months to make travel easier for passengers. The focus now is on increasing capacity and improving the passenger experience through the terminal renovation.

The new arrangements include 4 automated baggage drop counters and 5 self check-in kiosks. To increase security check capacity, 4 new X-ray machines will be added, 3 for domestic and 1 for international passengers.

Two new entry gates will be built in the departure area. The pick-up and drop-off area in front of the terminal will be extended, toilets will be modernised, and separate lounges are planned for domestic and international passengers.

Under the arrangement for ferrying passengers to aircraft by bus, the number of boarding gates will be raised from 2 to 4. This is expected to make passenger movement easier.

According to the company, the financial process for the renovation is complete, the design is ready and contractors have been appointed. Only the necessary regulatory approvals are awaited. Once work on the first phase begins, the target is to complete it in 12 to 18 months.

Several improvements have already been made. The process at the DigiYatra facial recognition e-gates has been simplified. Representatives are deployed to assist passengers at check-in, security check, immigration and boarding gates. Additional tables for keeping belongings, trays of different sizes and 4 special trolleys for large baggage have been provided.

Better lighting in the terminal, seating at boarding gates, new carpets in the aerobridges, round-the-clock cleaning and a new pest control programme have also been introduced. For emergencies, MBBS doctors, paramedical staff and technicians are available 24 hours.