Mystery Surrounding Belagavi Airport Cargo Terminal | Special July-2023

Stakeholders Demand Clarity Amidst Mystery Surrounding Belagavi Airport Cargo Terminal

Belagavi Airport, one of the busiest airports in North Karnataka, has been shrouded in mystery concerning the status of its proposed Dedicated Cargo Terminal. Despite being the second busiest domestic airport in Karnataka in terms of passenger load in 2022, the fate of the Belagavi Airport Cargo Terminal remains uncertain, leaving trade and logistics stakeholders questioning the airport’s plans.

The mystery surrounding the Belagavi Airport Cargo Terminal dates back to 2017 when the airport operations were shifted to a new terminal, leaving the old terminal abandoned. At that time, a proposal was put forth to utilize the old terminal building for a Belagavi Airport Cargo Terminal. Since then, little information has been made available about the progress of this project, and stakeholders have been seeking answers.

A recent Right to Information (RTI) query filed by concerned parties aimed to unveil the truth behind the status of the Dedicated Cargo Terminal. The query read, ‘Provide Information on the status of Dedicated Air Cargo Terminal which was proposed in the old terminal building and kept for approval.’

The reply to the RTI query was provided by AAICLAS (AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company), a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of the Airport Authority of India (AAI). According to AAICLAS, “Information sought on the conversion of the old terminal building into a dedicated cargo terminal at Belagavi airport is not available.” This response has raised eyebrows among stakeholders who were eagerly waiting for an update on the project.

However, the AAICLAS went on to reveal some pertinent information. It stated, “It is informed that AAICLAS has facilitated trade at Belagavi airport with the commencement of movement of domestic cargo operations through the passenger terminal on 13.08.2021.”

The details of Cargo Handled through the domestic passenger terminal at Belagavi Airport in Tonnage (MT) for the mentioned fiscal years:

Fiscal Year	Cargo Handled (MT)
FY 2020-2021	6
FY 2021-2022	35
FY 2022-2023	37

While the cargo movement through the passenger terminal has provided some relief, stakeholders are still concerned about the absence of a Belagavi Airport cargo terminal. The lack of clarity surrounding the project has sparked debates among local business communities, exporters, and logistics providers who had hoped for enhanced cargo handling capabilities at the airport.

The delay in establishing a dedicated cargo terminal raises questions about the efficiency and capacity of the airport to handle growing cargo demands. Stakeholders emphasize that a dedicated terminal would not only improve cargo operations but also open up new avenues for economic growth and trade opportunities in the region.

As of now, it is unclear why the information regarding the Belagavi Airport Cargo Terminal’s status is not available, and concerned parties are urging the authorities to provide a transparent update on the matter. The ambiguity surrounding the project has led to speculation about the reasons for the delay, leaving the future of the proposed terminal uncertain.

With Belagavi Airport witnessing increased passenger traffic and trade activity, the need for an efficient cargo terminal becomes even more apparent. Stakeholders and the local community are hopeful that the authorities will address the concerns and shed light on the status of the Dedicated Cargo Terminal, bringing clarity to this long-standing mystery.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the airport authorities for further updates and action regarding the long-awaited Dedicated Cargo Terminal at Belagavi Airport.

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