Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jun 25: The common user domestic cargo terminal (CUDCT) at Mangaluru International Airport here was commissioned on Thursday June 25.

The domestic cargo terminal, commissioned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) together with Cargo Services Centre, will be handled by M/s CSC India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai on behalf of AAI from midnight.

Airport director J T Radhakrishnan inaugurated the domestic cargo terminal in the presence of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Nigam Vasani, chairman of Cargo Service Centre Tushar Jani and others.

J T Radhakrishnan in his address, said, "Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata are more powerful in air cargo operations. This air cargo services should also trickle to two-tier cities. Most of the business takes place in two-tier cities of India. AAI has decided to develop cargo terminals in around 22 airports through third parties. In many places the process is going on to transport domestic cargo through airways.

"Presently in Mangaluru there are 30 domestic flights operating (15 arrivals and 15 departures). If all these flights carry domestic cargo everyday, 2,000 tonne of cargo can be transported every month. This will help in increasing the revenue of the airport and give immense benefit to Mangaluru region. The Mumbai-based Cargo Service Centre is an allied group and handles a market share of 18 percent in India," he added.

"We are the first airport to get clearance for domestic air cargo terminal, for which yardsticks like security were considered. Cargo will bring huge business. Within two months there will be a sea change in the airport terminal. Already Shopper's Stop has set up its outlet and Safari Industry too has come forward. Also there will be a prepaid shop and four food courts will be established inside the airport," Radhakrishnan said.

Nigam Vasani congratulated the airport director for this initiative and said, "Air cargo will help in the economic growth of our region. We would like to see Mangaluru airport attract new businesses and fuel the economy of this district."

He proposed the establishment of an SEZ for aircraft maintenance, repair and overall facilities adjacent to the airport. "This can be done either with private or public partnership. It will help the aviation industry and contribute to the economy of our region and also boost commece as well as tourism. This maintenance facility can be established in collaboration with Indian or international companies. It will also bring greater job opportunities to the people of DK."

Tushar Jani said, "India is going through a change in its design. Major developments will come up in two and three-tier cities and disposable income in these cities will be increase. Mangaluru is among the two-tier cities and in the next 10 years this city will change a lot. Our research also states that in domentic cargo there will be 100 percent development in the coming year. This domestic cargo service will also reduce transit time."

Srikrishna Rao, president of Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gurmeet Kalra, general manager of Cargo Services Centre, India and others were present.