Indian airport developers like GMR, GVK and CIAL will now have to provide comprehensive cargo facilities at all new greenfield airports when the Indian government finalises its air cargo policy within the coming months. Developers of greenfield airports like Hyderabad are building cargo facilities as they see business potential in this segment, but currently are not required to.
The situation will change with the new policy stipulating building of cargo facilities with specified capacities. The proposed policy will also stipulate earmarking dedicated cargo area at all existing airports including those being developed by private operators.
A consultant is expected to be brought on board making the inclusion of cargo facility mandatory in the new policy. Airport developers would also shoulder the responsibility of suggesting measures for reducing dwell time at airports.
While dwell time for imported cargo in Singapore is 12 hours, for instance, at Delhi airport it takes up to 165 hours. A separate system to speed up and spruce up ground handling facilities would also be suggested by the consulting firm.