Mohali airport to have modern cargo complex

Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Mohali, September 5

Industrialists have a reason to cheer as an integrated cargo complex is coming up at the Chandigarh International Airport here which would handle domestic as well as international cargo, including perishable items. It is likely to become functional in November.

The cargo complex would have five sheds with a covered area of about 2,500 sq mt for storing perishable and non-perishable items. The Chandigarh International Airport would become the only airport in North India after Delhi to have 2,500-metric tonne cargo facility.

Ajay Bhardwaj, Chief Executive Officer, Chandigarh International Airport Ltd., said a total of five sheds had been constructed and of these, one pre-fabricated shed with a capacity of 450 sq mt would be for perishable items. He said the cargo complex would be equipped with the latest facilities, including a cold room, reefer van, fork lifts, scissors lift, pallets, user-friendly weighing scales, for a smooth functioning. The cargo would also be equipped with high-security equipment such as CCTV cameras and X-ray machines.

Ajay Bhardwaj said the total cost of the project was Rs11.5 crore. Civil work had been completed. The paved area is about 7,500 sq mt while the green area would be about 4,500 sq mt. The airport is at present handling predominantly belly cargo in the domestic sector only, he added.

Various airlines, including Air India, Indigo, Vistara and Go Air, are doing self-handling of cargo. Only domestic facility for common screening is available and other functions are done by the airlines themselves.

Yogesh Sagar, president, Mohali Industries Association, said this would boost the industrial growth in the region. Earlier, the industrialists had to transport their goods to Delhi and Mumbai airports for sending these abroad. But with the cargo facility coming up at the local airport, not only the industries of Mohali but also Dera Bassi, Ludhiana and Jalandhar would benefit.

'Will boost industrial growth in region'

Yogesh Sagar, president, Mohali Industries Association, said it will boost industrial growth in the region. Earlier, industrialists had to transport their goods to Delhi and Mumbai airports for sending these abroad. But with the cargo facility coming up at the local airport, not only the industries of Mohali but also Dera Bassi, Ludhiana and Jalandhar would benefit.