RITES likely to prepare Nagpur air cargo hub master plan

In this regard, a meeting between managing director of CIDCO and chairman of Airport Authority of India (AAI) was held recently at Nagpur airport.

It was mentioned during the meeting that the proposed multi-modal freight centre, located under the Meghdoot Urban Centre near Butibori, will be 26 kms away from the city. This centre will be integrated with the air cargo complex at Nagpur airport and will be connected to highways and railways. It will thus provide a single hub location for receiving, transferring, storing and distributing air, rail and highway cargo for domestic and international purposes.

AAI chairman Chatterjee said that one walking type cooling system will beinstalled at the Nagpur airport for storage of perishable items. He also informed that AAI proposes to reduce the cargo handling charges at Nagpur airport by 50 per cent, compared to those applicable at international airports. He said the facilities and services at the airport should be available at competitive rates in order to attract exporters and importers of cargo.

CIDCO chief Dhumal explained as to why the land adjacent to the airport will be required for this purpose. He informed that several water bodies are being created around Nagpur for promoting export-oriented agriculture. He emphasised that CIDCO and AAI should work in close partnership since action plan of both the organisations are complementary.

He also said that CIDCO will offer all infrastructural facilities for development of a cargo hub at Nagpur.