Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday (February 1, 2026) that a multi-modal cargo network integrating air, road, rail and waterways will be created with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) as its primary hub.
He inaugurated the plenary session of the International Cargo Business Summit, organized by CIAL in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of CIAL’s cargo department.
The Chief Minister said that CIAL is striving to create a business environment conducive to the economic growth of the state beyond the functioning of the airport. He noted that CIAL handled over 65,000 metric tonnes of cargo in the last financial year and it is expected to increase to 74,000 tonnes in the current fiscal year. “CIAL has given 50% dividend to its investors and is a role model for the entire country through its operations. Construction of three bridges for four panchayats is also underway. CIAL has started the process of obtaining certification for handling pharmaceutical products, which will start immediately after approval,” he said.
Industry Minister P. Rajeeve, who presided over the meeting, said that major global companies setting up logistics parks near CIAL will enable greater utilization of the airport’s cargo potential. He said the presence of major companies reflected the growth rate of cargo movement in the region.
The Chief Minister also felicitated the institutions that have demonstrated excellence in cargo exports during the ceremony. Director General CIAL S. Suhas, Head CIAL Cargo Ddepartment Satheesh Kumar R. Pai, MLAs Anwar Sadath and Roji M. John, Director CIAL Varghese Jacob and Airport Director G. Manu spoke.
Published – 01 Feb 2026 19:22 IST