GMR plans cargo hub in Hyd

Expects hub to reach full capacity by FY12

Ramiya Bhas. Mumbai

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), which operates the international airport at Hyderabad, is all set to develop their airport as the next cargo hub, said two senior officials.

Currently, most of the cargo operations for all national and international cargo take place from Nagpur, which is geographically the centre of the country. Officials of the airport say that they are building the infrastructure to make GHIAL the next hub.

While presently only a part of the same is operational, GHIAL plans to complete this project in the next few years. P Sripathy, chief executive officer of GHIAL said that with their current expansion plans, the airport is poised to become the next cargo hub. “Looking at the infrastructure and the connectivity with most of the South-East countries, we can make cut down on travel time for most of the cargo players and in turn increase capacity for the cargo and logistics companies,” he said.

GHIAL has a 14,330 square metre complex, near the airport. “Of this, we have a dedicated segment for our international cargo spacing out close to 6,610 sq mt and domestic of 4,346 sq mt. We have also allocated 3,374 sq mt for office space and for parking in our cargo area,” said Girish Deshmukh, general manager, Aerospace Aviation at GHIAL.

The company plans to build a larger cold chain storage and also a perishable warehouse in the cargo area. “We are planning to increase the capacity of our current cold storage facility, and also a warehouse for storing perishables. This plan is underway and we will start construction on this soon,” said Deshmukh.

The total capacity of the cargo hub is that of 100,000 tonnes, while the current capacity is at 60,000 tonnes. “By the end of 2011-12, we will be able to reach full capacity, and also will be able to carry an additional capacity of 40,000 tonnes,” said Deshmukh.

While GMR is building their own offices and warehouses, the company is also in talks with various national and international players in the market for them to set up facilities. “We are currently in talks with various cargo companies, freight forwarders and airlines for the same. Though we are still in the process of development, we are holding talks with them,” said Sripathy.

One such player is Deccan 360s Captain G R Gopinath, who confirmed that Deccan is building a warehouse in Hyderabad.