The Common User Domestic Cargo Terminal (CUDCT) — a facility to take care of domestic air cargo under one roof — of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) became operational at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Thursday.
Set up by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd. (AAICLAS), near the arrival enclosure of the old domestic terminal at Shanghumughom, the 520-sq-ft facility was commissioned by AAICLAS chief executive officer Keku Bomi Gazder.
The CUDCT will help domestic carriers operating to the international airport here to handle cargo and process Customs clearance, security clearance, and other regulatory requirements from the same building.
Mr. Gazder said the aim was to expeditiously move air cargo. He said the plan was to handle 15,000 tonnes of freight initially and to double it in the coming months. He also hinted at the plans being worked out to further invest in cargo handling in the airport.
The ₹55-lakh facility will be managed by the AAI personnel. A ₹35-lakh X-Ray machine has been installed to screen the cargo.