CIAL announces airport development projects worth ₹1,000 crore

CIAL unveils ₹1,000 crore development plan for airport infrastructure, focusing on sustainability, technology, and passenger satisfaction.

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has announced a three-year development plan, aimed at bringing about sweeping changes in airport operations and infrastructure with an investment of around ₹1,000 crore. The CIAL blueprint covers 163 projects that highlight its sustainability goals, technological advancement, and passenger satisfaction.

The airport’s plans include projects across both aeronautical and non-aeronautical domains. Over the next couple of years, an investment of ₹250 crore is planned for IT infrastructure enhancement, including projects like Digi Yatra, Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS), e-Gate for Immigration, and self-baggage scanning systems.

CIAL spent around ₹35 crore for PIDS, which will be inaugurated later this week, close on the heels of the 0484 Aero Lounge, described as affordable luxury for both passengers and visitors. The PIDS envisages a multilayered 360-degree security cover for the operational area.

The major features of the project include non-lethal power fences atop the 12-km perimeter wall to detect potential intrusions, fibre optic vibration sensors along the perimeter wall to detect breach attempts, a Drainage Intrusion Detection System to prevent unauthorised access through the airport’s drainage exits, and 86 thermal cameras placed along the perimeter for continuous day-and-night monitoring, according to sources.

The system is integrated with the Security Operations Control Centre (SOCC), where real-time alarms and alerts are displayed on a video wall, enabling security personnel to pinpoint the exact location of any intrusion attempt.

The other upcoming projects include the expansion of the International Terminal, T3, after completion of the new apron for the terminal.

Work for building an additional security hold area on the northern side of the existing pier would begin soon, airport sources said. The tender process for the terminal area will start in December, increasing the area from 15 lakh sq ft to 21 lakh sq ft. The project is expected to be completed in two years.