An artist’s impression of Kochi airport’s T3 terminal as expansion work is completed.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has announced a three-year development plan, targeting changes in the airport’s operations and infrastructure with an investment of around ₹1,000 crore. The CIAL blueprint includes 163 projects that highlight the goals of sustainability, technological advancement, and passenger satisfaction.
The airport plan includes projects in both aeronautical and non-aeronautical domains. Over the next few years, an investment of ₹250 crore is planned to improve IT infrastructure, including projects like Digi Yatra, Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS), e-Gate for Immigration, and baggage scanning system.
CIAL is spending around ₹35 crore for the PIDS, which will be inaugurated later this week, near the 0484 Aero Lounge, described as an affordable luxury for passengers and visitors. PIDS represents a multilayered 360-degree security cover for operational areas.
Main features
The main features of the project include a non-dead power fence on top of the 12-km perimeter wall to detect potential intrusions, fiber optic vibration sensors along the perimeter wall to detect attempted violations, Drainage Intrusion Detection System to prevent unauthorized access through airport drainage. out, and 86 thermal cameras are placed along the perimeter for continuous day-and-night monitoring, according to sources.
A perimeter intrusion detection system to be commissioned at the Cochin International Airport this weekend.
The system is integrated with the Security Operations Control Center (SOCC), where real-time alarms and alerts are displayed on a video wall, allowing security personnel to pinpoint the exact location of an intrusion attempt.
Other upcoming projects include the expansion of the International Terminal, T3, following the completion of a new apron for the terminal.
Work on constructing an additional security holding area north of the existing pier will begin soon, airport sources said. The tender process for the terminal area will begin in December, increasing the area from 15 lakh sq ft to 21 lakh ft. The project will be completed in two years.
The import cargo terminal, commissioned on October 2, 2023, and operational from January 14, 2024, is another aeronautical 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 complex expected to be commissioned by mid-2025. A golf resort and sports center and a five-star hotel are also there.
‘Global recognition’
“In its 24th year of operation, with more than 100-plus million passengers and 24 airlines, CIAL plays a critical role in Kerala’s global connectivity, handling over 62% of the State’s air passenger traffic,” said director S. Suhas. CIAL has received international recognition, including the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award from the United Nations.
During 2023-24, CIAL recorded a turnover of ₹1,014.21 crore with operating expenses of ₹286.29 crore. The airport made a profit before tax of ₹552.37 crore, and a profit after tax of ₹412.58 crore.
The airport has also undertaken several green initiatives. The solar power plant together produces two lakh units per day and further investment in renewable energy sources including the signing of an MoU with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited to set up a green hydrogen plant. The construction of the plant will start in December this year.
“India’s aviation industry is predicted to grow at an annual growth rate of 16%. CIAL’s board of directors has drawn up a detailed strategic development plan to align with this trajectory. This year, our focus is on introducing new international routes and expanding domestic services to offer air travel options that cost effective,” said Mr. Suhas.
Published – September 24, 2024 01:27 IST
