According to a report by Mint, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced plans to modernise 150 underutilised airports and airstrips across the country to meet the rising demand for air cargo and increasing passenger traffic. The initiative, guided by direct government instructions, aims to revitalise existing aviation infrastructure, selecting these facilities from over 400 nationwide.
The chosen airports include Aizawl, Kota, Muzaffarpur, Satna, Ziro, Jalgaon, Asansol, Malda, Jharsuguda, Khandwa, Panna, Raxaul, Vellore, Tezu, Agatti, Akola, Belagavi, Cooch-Behar, Gaya, Gorakhpur, Hubli, Kolhapur, Kandla, Kullu, Pantnagar, and Rajahmundry, among others.
The modernisation drive focuses on boosting air cargo capabilities, particularly for high-demand goods like pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, and perishables, which require rapid delivery amid global trade disruptions and geopolitical challenges. Additionally, the upgrades aim to handle the growing number of air travelers.
Key measures include constructing longer runways, enhancing passenger facilities to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and integrating advanced digital technologies. This overhaul aligns with a broader shift towards air cargo, driven by rising shipping costs, increased insurance premiums, and risks in traditional trade routes.
The initiative also includes developing state-of-the-art infrastructure for cargo handling. Plans encompass satellite freight cities with multimodal transport links, cargo terminals, cold storage facilities, automated storage and retrieval systems, and mechanised cargo transportation. The introduction of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems will streamline operations by enabling standardised digital exchange of business documents among trade stakeholders.
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