Nedumbassery: Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, has announced that a multimodal cargo network integrating air, road, rail, and water routes will be established, with Cochin International Airport (CIAL) serving as its primary hub.
He was speaking at the International Cargo Business Summit, organised by CIAL in association with FICCI, marking the 25th anniversary of CIAL’s cargo department. The Chief Minister stated that CIAL is striving to create a business environment favourable to Kerala’s economic growth beyond just functioning as an airport. He noted that CIAL handled over 65,000 metric tonnes of cargo in the last financial year, and this is expected to rise to 74,000 tonnes in the current fiscal year.
CIAL has provided a 50 percent dividend to its investors and stands as a model for the entire country through its operations. Construction of three bridges benefiting four panchayats is also underway. Furthermore, CIAL has begun the process of obtaining certification for handling pharmaceutical products, which will commence immediately upon approval.
In his address, Industries Minister, Shri P Rajeev, mentioned that prominent global companies establishing logistics parks near CIAL would allow for greater utilisation of the airport’s cargo potential. He added that the presence of large-scale companies reflects the growth rate of cargo movement in the region.
The Chief Minister also honoured institutions that demonstrated excellence in cargo exports during the ceremony. CIAL, Managing Director, S Suhas; CIAL Cargo Department Head, Satheesh Kumar R Pai; CIAL Director, Varghese Jacob, and Airport Director, G Manu were among those present for the event.