Kochi (Kerala) [India], May 19 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday launched the ₹200-crore CIAL 2.0 project, aimed at fully digitising operations at Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). He lauded the airport for presenting a successful model of “socialising profit,” reinforcing its role as a people-centric infrastructure venture.
Highlighting India’s burgeoning aviation sector, the Chief Minister noted that 375 million people traveled by air in 2023–24, with 275 million domestic passengers, representing a 21 percent growth from the previous year. With projections estimating one billion annual air travelers by 2040, he stressed the importance of modernising airport infrastructure to meet future demand.
Vijayan underscored the significance of safeguarding airport assets and ensuring passenger safety, particularly in a busy hub like Cochin Airport, which serves around 50,000 passengers daily and welcomes nearly 100,000 visitors each day. The facility hosts over 400 government and private agencies, 30 airlines, approximately 200 commercial outlets, and employs more than 12,000 people, making it a critical node in India’s aviation ecosystem.
CIAL 2.0 integrates cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced cybersecurity measures to address modern challenges and enhance the passenger experience. Key upgrades include the installation of full-body scanners, replacing physical pat-downs during security checks. An automated tray retrieval system has been implemented to streamline cabin baggage screening. Additionally, 4,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras have been installed to boost perimeter and terminal security, and the airport’s bomb detection and disposal system is being upgraded.
These developments are part of a broader modernisation drive. Notably, the ₹700-crore International Terminal expansion is nearing completion, with apron construction in its final stages. A commercial zone in front of Terminal 3 is also progressing steadily.
The airport’s transformation has already generated approximately 29,000 job opportunities. CIAL, known for its community-focused approach, has delivered a 45 percent dividend to investors in the 2023–24 fiscal year. The company is also actively involved in infrastructure and welfare initiatives, including the construction of multiple bridges, the launch of a new society for cargo handling workers, and participation in the Wayanad Model Township project, including the installation of solar panels on 400 homes.
With CIAL 2.0, Cochin International Airport is positioning itself as a digital pioneer in India’s aviation landscape, balancing innovation with inclusivity. (ANI)
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