The Cochin International Airport Limited is constructing a dedicated residential township for the CISF personnel guarding the establishment, as a sideline to its plans for a massive upgradation of airport infrastructure.
According to a senior company official, CIAL has earmarked about 5 acres of land on its property for the project, which is slated to be completed within two years.
“The move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility of the force in case of any emergency, similar to many other aerodromes in the country,” he said.
As per the proposal, the first phase of construction will include barrack accommodation, Unit Quarter guard, Commandant Bungalow and other ancillary buildings, while the second phase will cover an administrative block and facilities for family accommodation.
The total cost of construction is estimated to be around Rs.52 crore.
The airport security in CIAL has been entrusted with a 500-strong CISF contingent as part of the government's country-wide policy for airports.
Presently, the CISF personnel deployed in Cochin airport are accommodated in a rented complex just outside the airport concourse.
Proposals to be studied
Apart from the residential complex project, CIAL has been embarking on a massive plan to develop its property with a number of service sector initiatives by attracting corporate investments.
Official sources said that the company had formed a team to evaluate the earlier proposals and identify the options to restore it, in addition to working out the cost estimates.
According to them, the company is now working on the terms for inviting business proposals for developing a multi-specialty hospital and an International Logistics Centre.
Another major project being taken up by it on a priority basis is the construction of a covered alighting area in front of its international terminal that will help ease the crowd outside the building, especially during peak hours.
The company also calculates on converting the area into commercial space by establishing consumer retail shops under the canopy.
CIAL has been working on a massive expansion proposal and recently unveiled an ambitious plan worth Rs.600 crore that will help it match up to the new generation aerodromes elsewhere in the country.
As part of it, the airport company proposes to expand the security hold area of the domestic terminal by erecting a canopy towards the air-side. The plan also comprises the establishment of a new international terminal having a higher passenger capacity that will cater to its prospected growth in passenger traffic, at least for the next 15 years.
