New airport: No go for cargo

New airport: No go for cargo
DH News Service ,Bangalore:
Air Cargo Operators say that they would shift the base to neighbouring airports like Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi if infrastructure facilities at the Bengaluru International Airport is airport site is not adequate.

Even as the inaugural date for the Bengaluru International Airport is nearing, Air Cargo Operators say that they would shift the base to neighbouring airports like Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi if infrastructure facilities at the airport site is not adequate.
Its now the turn of the industrial and commerce associations to warn Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the consortia of SATS -Air India and Bobba Group-Menzies Aviation to whom the cargo handling facilities have been outsourced.
With the promoters of the airport promising that only temporary facilities would be made available for cargo handling at the airport site, industrial and commerce associations have expressed doubts whether the warehousing and handling facilities at the airport will be able to cargo consignments.
According to the industry, the airport will begin operations during the busiest season for import and export. is concerned.
Devesh Agarwal, Chairman of the Infrastructure Committee, Bangalore Chamber of Industries and Commerce has expressed doubts whether the International Airport would be able to meet the requirements of the booming air cargo industry.
Transition problem
“The transition phase from the HAL Airport to the new Airport, the road connectivity and time factors is unlikely to be smooth. Besides, April and May is the busiest for goods movement. As Bangalore does not have a port or a great rail connectivity to fall back at it is likely to be a mess,” he said.
The Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Industries and Commerce (FKCCI) is of the opinion that the facilities at the airport for cargo handing is not up to the mark as only temporary facilities would be provided for the first two years.
Bangalore at present handles one lakh tones air cargo with an annual growth of 24 per cent and the new International airport 3.5 lakh tones of cargo.
“The authorities should ensure that every thing is in place before moving there. Otherwise it is best to retain the present airport,” said SS Patil, president of the FKCCI.