‘Infra in India needs to be aligned with the standards set by established transshipment hubs worldwide‘

Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) says, “The existing air cargo infrastructure in the country demands substantial improvements to align with the standards set by established transshipment hubs worldwide. The last-mile connectivity and road and rail links to major ports and airports hinder seamless cargo movement, affecting the overall efficiency of transhipment operations. Equally crucial is the need for a skilled workforce equipped with the necessary expertise to efficiently manage and oversee the operations of a transhipment hub. India faces strong competition from well-established transhipment hubs in the region, such as Singapore, Dubai, and Colombo. These hubs have mature infrastructure, streamlined processes, and a long history of efficiently handling large volumes of transhipment cargo. While India is adopting modern logistics technologies, the pace of implementation and adoption across all ports and airports varies, leading to inconsistencies in service levels. Additionally, the operational costs remain high compared to major competitors. To overcome these obstacles, concerted efforts must be made to invest in upgrading infrastructure, enhancing the capabilities of the workforce, and embracing technological advancements in cargo handling and processing., ultimately improving India’s attractiveness as a transhipment hub.”