Indore : The much-awaited facility of Common User Domestic Cargo will be made available to all airlines from the end of next month. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has given the responsibility of handling the facility to the GSEC for five years.
Now, the businessmen can send their cargo to any part of the country through these airlines. At present, there is facility of sending cargo only through the rail and road transport only.
The AAI sources said that it has accepted the tender of GSEC for providing the facility on Monday last, as it was the highest bidder.
GSEC won the tender to provide the facility for 5 years. The GSEC would get 2 more years if it provides good service. The tenders were opened last week, where the GSEC emerged as the highest bidder.
Sources further said that the AAI is expected to complete the process to hand over the contract to the GSEC in one month’s time and the company will roll out the facility by the end of next month. The AAI will provide 540 square meter space to the company at arrival lounge of the old terminal.
After rolling out the facility, the companies and businessmen would be able to book their cargo to send it through the aircraft. Though, the AAI has very recently started the facility with its own scanner machine, this is just for temporary period until the private operator could not start the facility after getting the contract.
Win-win stuation for traders, airlines
It may be recalled that in order to explore the potential of sending cargo, the local airport administration held a meeting of the businessmen of the city and asked them to submit their reports. Interestingly, the reports were very encouraging and highlighted the requirement of such facility at the city airport. Resultantly, the local officials moved the proposal to their headquarters. However, installation of the Domestic Common User Cargo Facility would be a win-win situation for both the local businessmen-companies as well as the airlines. The airline will be able to compensate their losses incurred due to fewer passengers by earning with booking of cargo. When contacted, Airport Director Manoj Chansoria did not pick up the call.
