from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Aug 31: Cargo movement through Goa's Dabolim Airport has shown a low growth rate primarily because cargo-handling facilities are not available, especially for handling perishable goods, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), stated.

The GCCI, in its recently released `Goa Infrastructure Report', has lamented constraints at the existing Dabolim Airport, which is managed by Indian Navy and has stressed for International Airport in the state.

"Perhaps the most constraining aspect of the civilian operations at Airport is the limitations associated with military operations," the report reads.

The GCCI mentions that Dabolim Airport has shown a compound growth rate of 10.5 per cent per annum. However, cargo movement is growing at mere 5.46 per cent.

Stressing for a well equipped, international standard Airport for the state, the GCCI has said that such a facility would boost state's agriculture and horticulture export.