To Dare or Not to Dare: The Story of an Entrepreneur's Passion - The Case of Delhi International Airport

This case studies the unique traits of a serial entrepreneur through the story of Indian entrepreneur G. M. Rao, Chairman of the GMR Group. It describes Rao's entrepreneurial journey from 1978 to 2003. He started his enterprising journey with small jute, diversified into many new business in the following decades. GMR infrastructure group grew to become the significant player in the energy, airports, highways and urban infrastructure sectors. In 2003, Rao had his eye on an ambitious opportunity. He wanted to make a bid for the Delhi airport modernization project that had been announced by the government. This idea sparked much debate among his senior leadership team. The case explores the challenges that an entrepreneur faces in convincing his team and the board of the company to subscribe to his vision and pursue goals that are based on his gut feeling. This case presents his decision dilemma on whether to bid for the Delhi airport project or not. It also presents the dynamics of Indian Airports sector and emergence of public private partnership policy. It was the beginning of the PPP in airport sector which is also the public utility under service sector. Entrepreneur Ecosystem was evolving, infrastructure financing was at nascent stage. Case presents the dilemma Rao faced who always wanted to create the national asset for India. It's a case presenting the passion and patriotism pushing GM Rao to go for next big challenge.