Amid slight improvement in international import freight, a dedicated import cargo storage area is being established at the Tiruchi international airport.
Civil works are apace at the new import cargo area that is coming up adjoining the export freight terminal. The need for such a facility was warranted as the existing place has been converted into an exclusive international courier terminal, poised for commissioning soon.
Airport sources said that the new import cargo area is being set up at a cost of around Rs. 9 lakh with facilities such as examination area and storage room. Nearly 60 per cent of the works had been completed at the new area. Consequent to the setting up of the new import cargo area, the entry to the operations area at the airport would be shifted.
Unlike export cargo which showed a robust growth over the years, international import freight did not show any appreciable rise despite a steady rise in overseas flight operations.
However, the sources said there has been a slight improvement in the volume of international import cargo which rose from 45 tonnes in 2014-15 to around 55 tonnes in 2015-16 fiscal.
Human remains continue to occupy a lion’s share with respect to international import cargo at Tiruchi airport which is surrounded by agrarian districts. The other import cargo landing at the airport includes airlines stores and other personal baggage.
Unlike Coimbatore or Chennai airports where import cargo growth has been robust, the situation in Tiruchi is quite different. The sources said there were queries from the trade circles with respect to international import cargo. Absence of more certifying agencies is also considered to be one of the factors for limited import cargo.
Lifting of restrictions on unaccompanied personal goods/ household articles would also go a long way in increasing the import cargo volume, feel the stakeholders.
