Undue delay in launching the Integrated Cargo Complex at Visakhapatnam International Airport is not only affecting exporters but also importers.
They are now forced to import through Chennai and Hyderabad airports.
“In spite of bringing it to the notice of Visakhapatnam MP K. Haribabu, the Chief Minister, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the steps initiated to inaugurate the facility are far from satisfactory,” says Airport Advisory Committee member O. Naresh Kumar.
“Pharma products from Visakhapatnam continue to be exported through the Hyderabad airport and flowers from Kadiam are being exported through Chennai. This is turning out to be an expensive proposition for exporters. Andhra Pradesh is also losing as it is ending up paying huge amounts to other States in the form of levies on imports as commodities like gold are being imported through Chennai and Hyderabad instead of Visakhapatnam,” he said.
“An additional Rs.50 lakh would be required for procurement of equipment for scanning of heavy cargo. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has to move the equipment from Chennai,” Mr. Naresh Kumar added.
In all big cities, halts are provided to trains at originating stations for the convenience of people living in those areas.
Duvvada railway station caters to the needs of lakhs of residents of the industrial belt, who reside within 10-km radius of Duvvada.
The Duvvada Railway Users’ Association and residents of various colonies have been representing to the railway authorities seeking stoppage of all important originating trains at Duvvada.
Visakhapatnam MP K. Haribabu has also been demanding halt to all important originating trains at Duvvada.
Association secretary K. Eswar has been taking up the issue with successive DRMs of the Waltair Division since 2011.
The association leaders met DRM Chandralekha Mukherjee last week and submitted a memorandum to her in this regard.
In a recent letter to East Coast Railway General Manager,
Mr. Eswar sought stoppage of Visakhapatnam-Mumbai LTT Express and Visakhapatnam-Nizamuddin Swarna Jayanti Express at Duvvada. He also thanked him for providing a halt to Garibrath Express.
Mr. Eswar sought early action on the issue so as to incorporate the halt in the new Railway Time Table that is to come into effect from July 1.
The move would also facilitate passengers going by various trains for the Godavari ‘pushkaralu’ that are scheduled to commence in Rajahmundry on July 14.
