GMR Group History and Evolution: Shaping Infrastructure Landscape in India & Beyond

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GMR Group History and Evolution: Shaping Infrastructure Landscape in India & Beyond

20 May 2024

Shri Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, fondly known as G.M. Rao, is a visionary entrepreneur whose journey forms the cornerstone of the GMR Group history. His story is one of resilience, foresight, and a steadfast commitment to nation-building. Born in Rajam, a serene town in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram District, G.M. Rao demonstrated leadership potential early on, emerging as a dynamic student leader during his college years at Andhra University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

In 1978, he began his entrepreneurial journey by acquiring a jute mill in Andhra Pradesh, marking the inception of the GMR Group evolution. Over the years, his relentless pursuit of growth led him to enter and exit 28 diverse businesses. The liberalization of India’s economy in 1994 proved transformative, inspiring him to pivot toward long-term projects aimed at building national assets and fostering economic growth.

The GMR Group’s infrastructure journey began in 1996 with the establishment of a 200 MW Independent Power Project (IPP) in Chennai, signifying its entry into the power sector. This milestone set the stage for further expansion, including ventures into roads and highways in 2001 with projects like the Tambaram-Tindivanam and Tuni-Anakapalli stretches.

The Group’s entry into the airport sector in 2003 with the Hyderabad Airport bid was a turning point in the GMR Group history. This success was followed by the landmark Delhi Airport project in 2006, cementing GMR’s reputation as a leader in airport development. Globally, the Group expanded its portfolio with projects like the Mactan-Cebu Airport in the Philippines (2014), Goa’s Mopa Airport (2016), Heraklion Airport in Greece (2017), and Bhogapuram International Airport (2020). By 2021, GMR had further extended its reach by operating Bidar Airport in Karnataka and winning the Kualanamu International Airport bid in Indonesia. Today, the Group stands as the second-largest private airport developer in the world, delivering and managing cutting-edge projects worldwide.

A shining example of its innovation is GMR Aerocity, a pioneering concept designed to integrate hospitality, business, and leisure around GMR airports. These contemporary urban precincts seamlessly integrate regional art, culture, and heritage with world-class amenities for business and recreation, offering a harmonious blend of sustainability, connectivity, accessibility, and cultural enrichment.

GMR’s diversification into adjacencies like the GMR MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) business ensures excellence in aviation services, while the GMR Aviation Academy addresses skill gaps, empowering the next generation of industry professionals.

In energy, GMR’s portfolio surpasses 3,000 MW across thermal, hydro, and renewable projects, aligning with global sustainability goals. In the Transportation & Urban Infra portfolio, the Group has a highway portfolio which is a mix of toll & annuity projects as well as a Special Investment Region (SIR) in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, contributing to enhancing connectivity in the country. One of the notable projects, is the prestigious 419 km Eastern Freight Corridor developed by GMR Group, between Deen Dayal Upadhyay Station and New Bhaupur in Uttar Pradesh, a project dedicated to the nation in 2023 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This eco-friendly initiative aims to revolutionize freight transport while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

At the heart of the GMR Group’s evolution is its unwavering commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, shaping impactful initiatives across communities. Through the GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, the Group invests in education, healthcare, skill development, and community empowerment. Scholarships, sanitation programs, and partnerships like the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation underscore its commitment to inclusive development and sustainable growth.

From its origins in a single jute mill to its position as a global leader in infrastructure, energy, and aviation, the GMR Group evolution mirrors Shri G.M. Rao’s vision of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. His legacy continues to inspire, shaping a brighter future for industries and communities worldwide.