The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) is set to acquire 229 hectares of land to build a greenfield airport in Gadchiroli, a district in Maharashtra known for its predominantly tribal population and Maoist influence. This move follows the completion of a prefeasibility study by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which assessed critical factors such as runway approach, wind direction, and other technical aspects necessary for the airport’s development.
The land acquisition, which includes both private and government holdings spread across four villages—Murkhada, Pulkhal, Kanori, and Mudjha—has been formalized through a government resolution (GR), which designates MADC as the acquisition agency for the project. The airport is being developed not only to improve the district’s infrastructure but also to enhance the standard of living for the local population by facilitating better connectivity and economic opportunities. Originally, the idea for an airport in Gadchiroli was driven by security needs, primarily to support troop movement during anti-Maoist operations. While helicopters are used for air transport in the area, their limitations, particularly during night operations, have highlighted the need for an airport capable of accommodating fixed-wing aircraft. This would significantly improve operational readiness for security forces in the region.
However, the landscape in Gadchiroli is changing, with an increase in industrial activity, particularly in the mining sector. This shift has amplified the need for air connectivity to support the growing demand for commercial travel. The proposed airport will facilitate faster connections to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, promoting investment and boosting economic development in the region. The airport will be designed to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, with an estimated runway length of 2,500 to 2,800 meters. Although the final plans are yet to be approved, if all goes according to schedule, the airport could be operational within four to five years.
MADC, which has developed airports in Amravati, Solapur, Karad, Pune, Shirdi, and Nagpur, continues to expand its portfolio. For the Nagpur airport, MADC has entered into a concessionaire agreement with GMR for a brownfield expansion, with GMR set to take over operations from Mihan India Limited (MIL), a joint venture between MADC and AAI. This new project in Gadchiroli will not only bolster the region’s strategic and commercial importance but also bring long-term benefits to the local population by improving connectivity and fostering economic growth.
