Our Legacy
Four Decades
of Nation Building
Shaping India’s progress through landmark infrastructure across aviation, energy, transport, and urban development.
About GMR Group
Vision
Our Legacy
Global Presence
Leadership
Corporate Governance
Awards & Accolades
Partnerships & Alliances
A Journey Shaped by Purpose & Progress
Since 1978, GMR has been building national assets that serve as engines of progress for India. Across airports, energy, highways, and urban districts, the Group focuses on projects that advance the country's growth and open new possibilities for millions.
GMR Group's ‘First-in-India' Achievements
Milestone projects that demonstrate GMR’s enduring commitment to deliver transformative infrastructure at scale
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Greenfield PPP Airport
In 2008, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad became India’s first greenfield airport developed under the Public–Private Partnership model — redefining airport development in the country.
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Brownfield PPP Airport Modernisation
In 2006, Indira Gandhi International Airport became India’s first brownfield airport to be modernised and expanded under the PPP framework — transforming legacy infrastructure into a global hub.
Energy
India’s First Barge-Mounted Power Plant
In 2001, GMR commissioned a 220 MW combined-cycle barge-mounted power plant at Tanir Bavi, Mangalore — the first of its kind in India and among the largest globally on a single barge.
Transportation & Urban Infra
India’s First Annuity-Based Highway PPP Project
In 2001, the Tambaram–Tindivanam and Tuni–Anakapalli projects became India’s first annuity-based PPP highways under the Golden Quadrilateral — reshaping concession benchmarks nationwide.
Airports & Aero Services
Asia’s Largest Private Airport Operator
In 2022, GMR became Asia’s largest private airport operator and the world’s second largest — reflecting unmatched scale and global leadership in airport infrastructure.
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Private Airport Operator Overseas
In 2014, GMR became the first Indian private operator to run an international airport — Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen — marking a major global milestone.
India’s First Family Constitution Framework
GMR introduced India’s first structured family constitution designed to institutionalise governance, succession planning, ensuring long-term continuity and alignment across generations.
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First 3rd-Party Large Airframe MRO
In 2011, GMR established India’s first major third-party airframe MRO facility, integrated within an international Special Economic Zone — advancing India’s aviation maintenance capabilities.
India’s First Women-Led EV Mobility Initiative
In Gujarat, GMR launched India’s first initiative to empower women as electric vehicle drivers—creating sustainable livelihoods while advancing clean mobility and inclusive workforce participation.
Sports
First Indian Private Company to Own an English County Cricket Team
In 2024, GMR became the first Indian private enterprise to acquire ownership in Hampshire County Cricket — pioneering Indian investment in global cricket.
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Airport to Connect 150 Global Destinations
In 2024, Delhi International Airport became the first Indian airport to serve 150 destinations worldwide — strengthening India’s global aviation connectivity.
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Aviation School Integrated with an MRO
Launched in 2024, the School of Aviation became India’s first educational institution directly integrated with a functioning MRO facility — bridging training with real-world operations
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Airport with Four Operational Runways
In 2023, Delhi International Airport became the first airport in India to operate four active runways — setting a new national benchmark for airside capacity, operational efficiency, and large-scale aviation infrastructure.
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Destination Airport
In 2023, Manohar International Airport, Goa was conceptualised as India’s first true “destination airport” — designed to anchor tourism and catalyse regional growth.
Airports & Aero Services
India’s First Airport City
Launched in 2010, GMR Aerocity Delhi pioneered India’s first integrated airport city — seamlessly combining business, hospitality, retail, and leisure within one ecosystem.
Sports
Founding Franchise Owner in the Inaugural IPL Season
In 2007, GMR entered the first-ever season of the Indian Premier League as a founding franchise owner — shaping the early evolution of global T20 cricket
Airport & Aero Services
India’s First International Airport EPC Contract by a Private Company
GMR executed the EPC contract for Clark Airport, becoming the first Indian private EPC company to deliver an international airport construction project.
Foundation
CSR Leadership Before Legislation
Long before CSR became a statutory mandate in 2014, GMR institutionalised structured social development through the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation — driven by conviction, not compliance
Foundation
India’s Early Structured Gifted-Children Support Model
The Foundation pioneered long-term educational support for underprivileged children — from early schooling through first employment, often spanning over 15 years
Foundation
Industry-Integrated Skill Development Model
Among the earliest CSR institutions in India to build a full-cycle industry partnership model — co-designing curriculum, training infrastructure, certification, and placement with employers.
Foundation
Early Rural Youth Competitive Exam Coaching Initiative
Through the Pratibha Library & Career Counselling Centre, GMRVF introduced structured competitive exam guidance and employability training for rural youth — bridging aspiration and opportunity.
Foundation
Early CSR-Led End-to-End Women’s Enterprise Ecosystem
EMPOWER became one of India’s pioneering CSR models integrating production, branding, and market access for women entrepreneurs — leveraging airport retail platforms for real market linkage.
From Small-Town Roots to Global Scale
The legacy of GMR began in 1978, when founder G.M. Rao acquired a jute mill in Rajam, Andhra Pradesh. After building and exiting multiple businesses, the Group shifted its focus to long-term infrastructure - starting with power in 1996, then roads, and later, landmark airports in India and overseas.
GMR’s Journey of Growth & Transformation
1978
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Established a jute mill in Rajam, Andhra Pradesh — laying the foundation for the GMR enterprise.
1996
Entry Into Infrastructure
Entered the infrastructure sector with a 200 MW power plant in Chennai, marking the Group’s strategic pivot toward nation-building assets.
2001
Highways Portfolio Launch
Won its first national highway projects — Tambaram–Tindivanam and Tuni–Anakapalli — expanding into surface transport infrastructure.
2003
Foray Into Airports
Secured the greenfield Hyderabad International Airport project and strategically divested IT and BPO businesses to sharpen infrastructure focus
2006
Delhi Airport & Public Listing
Won the Delhi International Airport project. GMR Airports Limited successfully launched its IPO and was listed on BSE on 21 August 2006
2011
Global Energy Expansion
Acquired a 30% stake in Indonesia’s PT Golden Energy coal mines, strengthening the Group’s global energy footprint.
2014
International Airport Expansion
Won the Mactan–Cebu International Airport project in the Philippines and secured a favorable arbitration outcome for the Malé Airport.
2016
First Destination Airport
Awarded the Greenfield Mopa Airport project in Goa.
2017
European Entry
Won the bid to develop, operate, and manage Heraklion International Airport in Crete, Greece.
2018
25 Years of Social Impact
GMR Varalakshmi Foundation completed 25 years of sustained community development and social transformation.
2020
Eastern Growth & Regional Connectivity
Won the Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam) Greenfield Airport project and signed the agreement to operate Bidar Airport.
2021
Southeast Asia Expansion
Won the bid to develop and operate Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia.
