Rapidly growing cargo volume has prompted Cochin International Airport authorities to go in for a fresh cargo complex that will be fully dedicated to imports while the existing cargo complex will be fully utilised for exports.
The new facility is being built considering the projected growth of the cargo business over the next twenty years. It will be spread over 1.53 lakh square feet area and will be located slightly to the west of the present cargo complex.
Works have begun on the new facility that is being built in three storeys. The complex is expected to be completed within the next eighteen months.
The present cargo complex is housed in 1.2 lakh square feet area and handles the entire volume of cargo passing through the airport. There are separate sections for dry, perishable and other items.
The volume of cargo moving through Cochin Airport has been increasing about 10% every year since its inception. It handled 61,447 tonnes of cargo during the past financial year. Of this, 49,454 tonnes constituted imports while exports were 11,993 tonnes. In the domestic sector, the volume was 14,918 tonnes with 11,087 tonnes destined for Kochi.
Source : Various Agencies