The new cargo terminal at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is nearing completion and is likely to commence operations in the next few weeks, which would allow the airport to handle higher cargo volumes, and cut down the turnaround time.
The Ahmedabad airport was previously run by the Airports Authority of India, but its operations were handed over to the Adani Group in November as a part of the Centre’s drive to privatise airports. The Gautam Adani-led group also took over operations of five other airports, making it the country’s largest private airport operator.
“The construction of the new cargo terminal has been completed. But, it is difficult to say when exactly the terminal will begin operations as some regulatory clearances regarding customs and immigration are awaited,” a source at the airport told TLA, adding they expect to receive the necessary approvals and launch operations at the terminal in a few weeks.
Gujarat is one of the most industrialised states in the country, with a strong manufacturing base in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, industrial machinery, textiles, and other sectors. Being the largest airport in the state and, until recently, the only international airport in the state, Ahmedabad airport handles significant cargo volumes of pharma, chemicals, textiles, precious gold, and other goods.
Once it begins operations, the new terminal will enhance the cargo-handling capacity at the airport, helping cut down the turnaround time for clearing the goods, an official said.
The Ahmedabad airport handled just over 60,700 tonne cargo in the financial year 2020-21, drastically lower than the previous fiscal’s 1.03 lakh tonne, largely on account of the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as the pandemic situation has eased significantly in recent months and economic activities have revived, the cargo movement at the airport is expected to gradually reach the pre-pandemic levels.