Artist’s impression of Kochi airport’s T3 terminal where the expansion work has been completed.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has announced a three-year development plan, which aims to bring about radical changes in the airport’s operations and infrastructure with an investment of around Rs 1,000 crore. The CIAL framework includes 163 projects that highlight their goals of sustainability, technological advancement, and passenger satisfaction.
Airport plans include projects in both airport and non-airport areas. Over the next few years, ₹250 crore has been invested to improve IT infrastructure, including projects like Digi Yatra, Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS), Gate for Immigration, and baggage scanning systems.
CIAL has spent nearly Rs 35 crore on PIDS, which will open later this week, close on the heels of the 0484 Aero Lounge, described as affordable luxury for passengers and visitors. PIDS envisages a multi-layered 360 security cover in the workplace.
Great features
The main features of this project include non-lethal energy fencing along the 12-km wall to detect possible intrusions, fiber optic vibration sensors along the screening wall to detect breach attempts, Drainage Intrusion Detection System to prevent unauthorized entry through the airport canal . exits, and 86 thermal cameras placed along the perimeter for continuous monitoring day and night, according to sources.
The perimeter intrusion detection system will be implemented at Cochin International Airport later this week.
The system is integrated with the Security Operations Control Center (SOCC), where real-time alarms and warnings are displayed on the video wall, allowing security personnel to pinpoint the exact location of any attempted intervention.
Other upcoming projects include the expansion of the International Terminal, T3, after the completion of the new terminal apron.
The construction of another security terminal on the northern side of the existing terminal will begin soon, aviation sources said. The tender process for the storage area will begin in December, increasing the area from 15 lakh sq ft to 21 lakh sq ft. This project is expected to be completed in two years.
The export cargo terminal, which began operations on October 2, 2023, and will operate from January 14, 2024, is another aviation project. The terminal is spread over 80,000 sq ft and has an annual handling capacity of two lakh metric tonnes.
The Zone by CIAL will be a commercial zone that is expected to be operational by mid-2025. A golf course and sports center and a five-star hotel are also being renovated.
‘Global recognition’
“In its 24th year of operations, with more than 100 million passengers and 24 airlines, CIAL plays an important role in Kerala’s global connectivity, handling more than 62% of the State’s air passenger traffic,” said managing director S. Suhas. CIAL has achieved international recognition, including a ‘World Champion’ award from the United Nations.
In 2023-24, CIAL recorded a profit of Rs 1,014.21 crore with operating expenses of Rs 286.29 crore. The airport earned a profit before tax of R552.37 crore, and a profit after tax of R412.58 crore.
The airport has also made many green efforts. The solar power plants together produce two lakh units of power per day and other investments in renewable energy sources include signing an MoU with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited to set up a green hydrogen plant. The construction work of this center will start in December this year.
“The Indian aviation industry is expected to increase at an annual growth rate of 16%. CIAL’s board of directors has carefully crafted a strategic development plan to align with this trajectory. This year, we are focusing on launching new international routes and expanding domestic services to provide more cost-effective air travel options,” said Mr. Suhas.
Published – September 24, 2024 01:27 am IST