The Hindu

MANGALORE, Oct 18: A long-pending demand by trade bodies here to set up an air cargo complex at Bajpe airport, appears to have got support with Arvind Singh, Commissioner of Customs, Mangalore, seeking details on the availability of cargo in the region, from the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Also, Heera Radhakrishnan, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Karnataka, during her visit here on Tuesday reportedly told a KCCI delegation that she would pursue the demand positively. She discussed the proposal with M.R. Vasudeva, director of the airport; Kumble Narasimha Prabhu, KCCI president, and Shriyuths Edward Coelho, vice-president of Custom House Agent Association and officials of her department. She told the delegation that after obtaining details about the cargo and verifying the facts, she would send the proposal to the Central Board of Excise and Customs.

It was up to the board to take a final decision, sources told The Hindu.

In a letter sent to the KCCI president on October 12 , Mr. Singh said that involvement of the Airports Authority of India, airlines and the Customs Department was necessary for setting up the air cargo complex. He sought details on the quantum and kind of cargo available for import and export.

“The issue of custodianship of the air cargo complex will also be taken up with the Central Warehouse Corporation and the airport authorities. I assure you that we will make sincere efforts in this regard,” Mr. Singh said.

The KCCI has been demanding an air cargo complex at the airport since 1998.

The Centre has permitted handling of only passengers’ baggage at the airport. It has not yet declared the airport fit to handle cargo.

The role of the Customs Department assumes importance as it will be on the basis of its observation and recommendation that the Government will take a final decision on permitting cargo operations at the airport.

Mr. Prabhu said that initially, three to five tonnes of cargo a day would be available in the region when the cargo operations start. Horticulture and floriculture produce could be exported from the region, mainly to West Asia. In addition, fish products, coconut, cashew could be exported, he added.

Mr. Prabhu said that a KCCI delegation would visit some West Asian countries in February next.

According to Giridhar Prabhu, former president of the KCCI, nearly 10 tonnes of vegetables grown in Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Kodagu, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts could be exported from the airport every day.