The GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited has decided to set up a centre for perishable cargo at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). Being at the geographical centre of India, Hyderabad offers a great advantage for logistics movements of perishable cargo both within India and connecting South East Asia and Middle East, Europe and USA, the airport group said.
The Centre for Perishable Cargo will be designed to handle 15,000 tonnes per annum of perishable cargo under Phase I (up to 2011) and the capacity will be raised to 25,000 tonnes per annum under Phase II (2013-2014).
Andhra Pradesh is a leading producer of fruits and vegetables with a production volume of an estimated 10.50 million tonnes per annum. Mango is one of our prestigious products, which is accepted worldwide, along with a host of world class fruits like Thomson seedless grapes, pomegranates, sapota, papaya, custard apple, water melons, bananas and a whole range of vegetables.
The GHIAL has assessed that there is a potential for exports of up to 5,000 tonnes of produce in the near future. The retail industry also has a good demand for imported fruits and vegetables for keeping attractive products in their shelves all year round.
Hyderabad is also the established pharmaceutical and biological products hub of India, being the base for world renowned companies like Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Shantha Biotechnics, Bharat Biotech, Biological E, Indian Immunological etc. There is a potential for import/ export of 3,000 tonnes per annum in this field. In addition to these there is demand for low temperature storage from World class Research labs like CCMB, IICT, and various electronic and Defense labs etc.