The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Cargo operators scouting for alternatives

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Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Cargo operators scouting for alternatives

Special Correspondent

Apprehensions over alleged inability of the BIAL to handle the air cargo quantum

Annual volume of exports and imports from Bangalore is 1.6 lakh tonnes
Migration from HAL to BIAL airport will increase operational costs

BANGALORE: The air cargo operators have told the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) in no uncertain terms that they will consider taking their business to other airports such as Chennai, Hyderabad or Mumbai. Expressing their apprehensions about the alleged inability of the BIAL to handle the air cargo quantum from Bangalore to various destinations around the world, members of the Bangalore Air Cargo Club (BACC) have posed a volley of queries to the BIAL at a meeting of the stakeholders organised by the club here on Monday.

The BACC has made it clear to the BIAL that with the existing connectivity, infrastructure and facilities, the BIAL may not perform as efficiently as the BACC wants. Senior member of the BACC Newton Michael pointing out that the migration of cargo operations to BIAL from HAL airport from March 30 would increase the operational costs, and if the BIAL was going to charge the cargo operators more than what was charged in other airports, the operators would be left with no alternative but go for cheaper airports. Mr. Michael said the BIAL had not yet quoted the rates and was keeping the operators on tenterhooks.

Chairman of the infrastructure committee of the Bangalore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Devesh Agarwal said the operators were still under confusion if there would be a split in customs clearance between HAL and BIAL. He said the shifting of airport operations on March 30 was a bad time as it was the financial year-end for all importers and exporters.

President of BACC Nirmal Sandhu said the annual volume of exports and imports from Bangalore was to the tune of 1.6 lakh tonnes with a growth rate of 24 per cent in the present fiscal, which made it the fastest growing air cargo business hub in the southern region. Mr. Sandhu urged the BIAL authorities to treat the commencement of cargo operations on a fast track basis.

The members expressed anguish over the lack of connectivity. They said the NH 7 which was already crowded might not be able accommodate the additional traffic it is likely to get once the airport was thrown open.

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