The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings regarding the daily eight-hour closure of Nagpur Airport since March 2024. This judicial intervention, prompted by ongoing concerns over the airport’s operational schedule, highlights significant passenger inconvenience and operational inefficiencies.
On August 2, a division bench led by Justices of the Bombay High Court addressed the issue, noting that the prolonged closure has been causing considerable hardship to travellers in Central India. The court’s decision to act on its own accord underscores the urgency of the matter, given the critical role the airport plays in the region’s connectivity. Reports indicate that despite the extended closure, minimal repair or maintenance work has been undertaken at the airport. This lack of substantial activity has exacerbated public frustration, as travellers from Central India face significant disruptions. The geographical importance of Nagpur, positioned as a central hub within the country, amplifies the impact of such operational delays.
In response to these developments, the High Court has issued notices to several key stakeholders, including the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, Maharashtra’s Department of Civil Aviation, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company, and the Multi Modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN). These entities have been called upon to provide explanations and address the court’s concerns. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 14, when the respondents will be required to present their replies. This case is expected to scrutinise the reasons behind the airport’s extended closure and evaluate the adequacy of the responses from the involved authorities.
The Bombay High Court’s proactive stance reflects a broader judicial interest in ensuring that essential infrastructure meets public needs and operates efficiently. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for airport management and regulatory oversight, particularly concerning operational transparency and passenger service standards.
