Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has unveiled a ₹200 crore IT infrastructure projects at Cochin International Airport, aimed at fully digitising its operations.
Inaugurating the CIAL 2.O project, the Chief Minister said that the airport has demonstrated a model of socialising profit and not privatisation.
The Chief Minister highlighted the strategic importance of safeguarding air passengers and protecting airport assets. With around 50,000 passengers travelling through CIAL daily, and nearly 100,000 people visiting the premises for travel-related needs, the security of digital assets becomes even more significant.
The CIAL 2.0 project encompasses various initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, automation, and foolproof cybersecurity to address emerging challenges in cyberspace and enhance travel experience, he said.
In 2023–24, 375 million people in India travelled by air, of which 275 million were domestic passengers. This marks a 21 per cent rise compared to the previous year, placing India third in the world in terms of domestic air passenger numbers. It is estimated that by 2040, India will see one billion air travellers annually. All airports in the country must prepare themselves to accommodate such large-scale growth, the Chief Minister said.
Full-body scanners have been introduced, eliminating the need for physical pat-downs during security checks. An automated tray retrieval system has also been implemented to speed up cabin baggage screening. Additionally, 4,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras have been installed to strengthen airport and perimeter security. The airport’s existing bomb detection and disposal system is also being upgraded through CIAL 2.0.
Apart from these initiatives, several large-scale projects launched last year are progressing rapidly. The apron construction, part of the ₹700-crore International Terminal development, is in its final stages. The commercial zone being constructed in front of Terminal 3 is also advancing steadily. These developments have created around 29,000 job opportunities, he added.
