Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao is the founder of the GMR Group, which is among one of the major infrastructure companies in India. The GMR Group has been involved in managing Delhi Airport through its subsidiary, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which is a joint venture consortium which is led by GMR Group, with Airports Authority of India (AAI).Started in 1978 the company operates in seven countries that manage airports highways, energy and large urban development for buildings. The management of Delhi and Hyderabad is typically overseen by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) which comes under the leadership of the GMR Group. Apart from this the Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines is also overseen by the group. The company has played a significant role in managing several major infrastructure projects across India and internationally.Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of his major achievements. Notably, the GMR Group took over the operations of IGIA in 2006 through a public-private partnership. Since then, they have made substantial improvements to the airport, transforming it into one of the best in the world in terms of passenger services, operational efficiency, and infrastructure.Key points about GM Rao and his work with the Delhi Airport:Transformation of IGIA: Under GM Raos leadership, IGIA underwent significant modernisation and expansion, including the construction of the new Terminal 3, which increased the airports capacity and enhanced passenger experience.Awards and Recognition: The efforts of GMR Group in managing and developing IGIA have been recognised globally. The airport has received several awards for its service quality, including the prestigious Airport Service Quality (ASQ) award.Expansion Plans: GM Raos vision includes further expansion and development of IGIA to handle increasing passenger traffic and maintain its status as a leading global airport.Other achievements: The business tycoon also holds a 50% of stake in the Indian Primer League cricket team Delhi Captains. Apart from this the company, in the month of January 2024, started GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad in collaboration with aircraft maker Airbus.Why is it making headlines nowThe company is making headlines due to one of the recent mishaps that happened at Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where a portion of the canopy broke down due to incessant rains on June 28. The incident has killed one and left four injured, which has raised several questions about the maintenance and responsibility of the airport authorities.
