‘Public-private partnerships will support growth, drive investments in green infra, capacity’

Arun Chandra, BIAL, Vice President – Aviation Business, BIAL says, “To support the growing demand, Public-private partnerships should drive investment in green infrastructure, ensuring sustainability while expanding capacity.  Furthermore, the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, should evaluate existing procedures and processes, aiming to adopt global best practices. This will help streamline air cargo operations in India, making them more efficient and growth focused. BLR Airport with its enhanced connectivity and state-of-the-art infrastructure, has established itself as a key airport for air cargo operations in India, enabling seamless global trade. In FY 2023-24, BLR Airport handled 44% of South India’s total perishable cargo and contributed 28% to the national perishable cargo share, showcasing its pivotal role in supporting industries reliant on temperature-sensitive logistics. The standards of infrastructure in the air cargo and logistics sectors have witnessed significant progress in recent years, with technological advancements, cold chain facilities, and streamlined customs processes. However, India’s air cargo and logistics sector requires infrastructural advancements to accommodate growing demand and achieve global competitiveness specifically from sectors like the e-commerce.  Modernising the cargo terminals with state-of-the-art infrastructure, streamlined processes, and digital innovation is essential to unlocking the sector’s potential and meeting international standards.”