In order to provide better cargo facilities to transporters and logistic firms, the Birsa Munda International airport in Ranchi is coming up with a maiden one lakh metric tonne cold storage, strong room and a dedicated bay for ‘dangerous articles/items’ on its premises.
Ranchi airport director K L Agarwal said that these facilities are in the final stage of construction.
“We have fixed a completion target for all three additional features at cargo section by June 30. They will be ready by Friday. The entire project for all three components were conceived at a cost of Rs 27 lakh, while the cold storage is being set up at a cost of Rs 5 lakh alone,” Agarwal said on Thursday.
On how it will benefit people, he said, “Usually, to and fro cargo operations takes place on a single day from our airport, but at times there could be issues of bad weather, or flight diversions/delay etc, cold storage will come handy for perishable items.”
Notably, the cargo service, which was defunct since last many months upsetting traders operating from the state, has also been resumed last week, he said. The cargo services suffered derailment after Go Air withdrew its operation.
“Now, we have roped in IndiGo for operating cargo services,” he said, adding that the facility has been streamlined.
Agarwal said that they are trying their best to enhance facilities and add new features to offer better flying experience to passengers to and fro from this airport. On Thursday, the airport got its first dedicated community library, which will be free to use for passengers.
“It’s an innovate initiative taken with the help of IIM Ranchi and in collaboration with the Aarambha Foundation and the Airport Authority of India,” he said.
He added that the the library will provide passengers waiting at the airport with intellectual engagement through books. Also, it aims to enhance reading habits among people. “The library is made operational from today and will be open to all passengers providing them with access to a wide range of books across various genres,” he said.