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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Belora airport in Amravati and lay foundation stones for airport expansions in Nagpur and Shirdi on October 9. The Belora airport will become the third airport in the Vidarbha region, joining Gondia and Nagpur, with commercial operations planned in the near future. Developed by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), the airport has reportedly completed its Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility, terminal building, and runway.
MADC has submitted an application to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to obtain a license for commercial operations, with Alliance Air expected to initiate flights to Mumbai once operations commence.
However, the timing of the inauguration has attracted criticism from Congress leader Dr. Sunil Deshmukh, a former minister and local MLA, who claims the airport is not fully operational. He expressed concerns that the BJP is hastening the inauguration to gain electoral advantage ahead of the upcoming state elections, citing delays that prompted him to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in court regarding the project’s progress. Attempts to reach MADC Vice-Chairman Swati Pande for comment were unsuccessful.
Despite the pending commercial license, sources indicate that unscheduled chartered flights may still operate at the airport.
In addition to Belora, MADC is also expanding the Shirdi airport, with plans to upgrade it to an international airport. Currently handling an average of 2,000 passengers daily across ten flights, Shirdi has seen increased traffic from pilgrims visiting the Saibaba shrine.
Meanwhile, the Nagpur airport is set for expansion following a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows GMR Airports Limited to take over operations. The legal dispute arose when Mihan India Limited (MIL), the current operator, annulled GMR’s winning bid over concerns regarding its revenue share offer. The state government welcomed the courts decision, viewing it as a catalyst for the airports development. A groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion will be held during Modis visit.
Sources indicate that GMR is awaiting final steps to assume control of the airport, as no further communications have been made following the Supreme Courts ruling, which confirmed GMRs concession rights. MIL, a joint venture between MADC and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), currently operates the Nagpur airport, and GMR is expected to acquire a 76% stake once the transfer process is finalized.
Both Belora and Shirdi airports will be operated solely by MADC. |
