Synopsis:

  • MIHAN spans 4,025 hectares and includes an expanded international airport and India’s largest multi-product SEZ.
  • The airport will handle 14 million passengers and 0.87 million tonnes of cargo annually.
  • SEZ components include IT parks, Health City, manufacturing zones, and residential spaces.
  • Major IT firms and developers have secured land in the project.

Overview:

The Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) has transformed Nagpur's real estate landscape. Recognised as one of India’s most visionary infrastructure initiatives, MIHAN spans a massive 4,025 hectares and promises to redefine the region's economic and logistical potential.

Overview of the MIHAN Project

Expansion

The existing Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, currently spread over 400 hectares, will be expanded to 1,200 hectares. The new facility will include parking for 50 aircraft, 50 additional bays, a separate cargo complex, and a new terminal building. Once complete, the airport is expected to serve 14 million passengers and handle 0.87 million tonnes of cargo annually, making it one of India’s largest aviation ventures.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

The MIHAN SEZ, covering 2,825 hectares, is the largest multi-product SEZ in the country. Key components include:

  • Road and Rail Terminal: 200 hectares
  • Captive Power Plant: 52 hectares
  • IT Parks: 400 hectares
  • Health City: 60 hectares
  • Manufacturing & Value-Added Units: 963 hectares
  • Residential, Hotel & Entertainment Spaces: 1,140 hectares
  • International School: 10 hectares

The SEZ is anticipated to increase Nagpur’s population by approximately 12 million through direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Participation

Renowned IT firms such as Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Hexaware, and L&T Infotech have secured land within the SEZ for their BPO units, software development centres, animation studios, and more. Esteemed developers like DLF, Shapoorji Pallonji, and Larsen & Toubro are also constructing state-of-the-art IT parks.

Health City

Health City will house a network of super-speciality hospitals with a collective capacity of around 2,000 beds. The complex will include a diagnostic centre and training institutes for nurses and technicians. Pharmaceutical company Lupin is establishing a cancer drug manufacturing unit within MIHAN.

Sectoral Diversity in Manufacturing

The manufacturing and value-added zones will accommodate industries such as:

  • Textile & Garment
  • Gem & Jewellery
  • Food Processing
  • Electronics & Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical & Biomedical
  • Financial and Insurance Services
  • Printing & Packaging

MIHAN has committed to excluding polluting industries, ensuring a sustainable development model.

Residential and Maintenance Infrastructure

The residential segment will feature a mix of row houses and high-rise buildings, catering to the professionals employed in the airport and SEZ zones. MIHAN will also feature dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft, boosting the aviation ecosystem in the region.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, lies at the geographical centre of India and is well-connected via road, rail, and air. The city’s existing airport, extensive land availability, excellent infrastructure, and favourable weather make it ideal for a multi-modal transport hub.

Socio-Economic Impact

MIHAN is expected to bring significant socio-economic transformation to the Vidarbha region. It will generate employment, enhance exports, and stimulate economic activities. With heightened investor interest, real estate prices have surged by 25–40% in recent years. Enhanced connectivity through new roadways, metro lines, and rapid bus transit will benefit the region.

Conclusion

MIHAN is poised to be a game-changer for Nagpur and the Vidarbha region. With robust infrastructure, top-tier industry participation, and expansive planning, it represents India's future of integrated urban and industrial development. The ripple effects on employment, investment, and connectivity will be long-lasting and transformative.