The air cargo service was launched at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
On the first day of the air cargo service, 100 kg of cashew nuts, which were exported through Kolkata airport, were sent to Dubai and products of Jidal Steel to Sweden from BPIA.
Speaking at a function organised on the occasion, Minister of MSME and Energy Pratap Keshari Deb said with launch of air cargo service at Bhubaneswar, the businessmen of the state will no more have to depend on other airports like Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Kolkata.
“Now they can export and import the products directly to destination countries through BPIA and thus avoid delay due to various reasons and extra charges towards handling fees. In case of any delay, it can be sorted out easily and faster,” he said.
Stating that Odisha has enough scope for availing the air cargo service, Deb said, “Various farm, metals, mineral, handicraft, handloom, horticulture, marine and pharmaceutical products will be exported through BPIA.”
The air cargo service, which has been put in place at a cost of Rs 2 crore, has been facilitated by direct flight service to Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok from Bhubaneswar airport, he added.
Saswat Mishra, special secretary, MSME department, said despite COVID pandemic, 56% of transportation of goods from Odisha were made through air cargo service.
Usha Padhee, principal secretary, Commerce and Transport department said while Indigo handles 210 ton of cargo everyday, it can provide support to transport at least 30% of goods from the state.