Durgapur, July 31 (UNI) The Cargo Terminal at Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (KNIA), Durgapur was inaugurated by state Minister Shashi Panja on Monday, beginning a new chapter for air cargo movement in West Bengal.
“Airport operations have been steadily increasing in the last two years post the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently there are six flights daily connecting to Delhi, Mumbai (two flights), Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, being operated by Indigo and Spicejet. All these existing routes have passenger loads well above 90 percent”, the airport sources said.
The industrial town of Durgapur is around 188 kms from northeast of Kolkata.
The newly constructed Cargo Terminal is equipped with X-BIS machine, CCTV Surveillance, fire fighting system, office space and other facilities to enable smooth movement of air cargo.
Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited, the owner of the KNIA airport, has constructed this terminal.
Requisite regulatory approvals have already been obtained for this purpose for commencement of cargo operations. The Cargo Terminal is expected to enhance the airport business and bring in additional revenue streams for the airport.
The Terminal was inaugurated by Dr. Shashi Panja, Minister-in-charge, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises.
Speaking on this occasion, Anju Madeka, President and CFO of Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited said “The Cargo Terminal will facilitate trade and faster movement of goods across the country. The catchment has large potential for both outbound and inbound cargo movement. The main cargo is expected to move in and out include, fruits, vegetables, fish, fish seeds, Bengali sweets, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, medical samples, machinery parts and spares etc. As per study, cargo movement in the next 8-10 years is expected to reach about 25,000 metric tons.”
One of the Cargo Agents who attended the event said “KNIA Airport is strategically located to unleash air-cargo business of the region. The opening-up of the Cargo Terminal with its state-of-the-art facilities is a significant step towards this.
Since the airport is located next to the National Highway without any entry / exit timing barrier, movement of air-cargo out of the region, especially the perishable cargo where time is the essence, would now be much faster. This will also save significant time and cost of transportation. ”
The Cargo Terminal has been designed and constructed for facilitating smooth operational workflow catering to the needs of the burgeoning logistics industry.
