International Air Cargo Hub at Swami Vivekanand Airport Set to Move Forward.

After nearly a decade of delays, the proposed international air cargo hub at Swami Vivekanand Airport in Raipur is finally poised to become a reality. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the proposal was discussed in a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, who agreed to review the plan and take necessary action to move it forward.

The Chief Minister also revealed that Chhattisgarh will soon establish direct international air connections, with Singapore and Dubai being the initial destinations for international flights from Raipur.

Officials from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) indicated that the infrastructure for the international air cargo hub is already in place, as a domestic cargo center is currently operational at the airport's old terminal. While converting this facility for international cargo handling is feasible, it will require completing additional formalities, including customs and immigration setups, to accommodate international flights and cargo.

The idea for the international air cargo hub was first introduced in 2013 by the Raman Singh-led government, with a foundation stone laid for the project. However, progress stalled over the years. The state government has long emphasized the importance of such a hub to facilitate the export of Chhattisgarh’s unique products, such as bell metal and terracotta artifacts, which are in high demand globally, as well as forest produce from the Bastar and Sarguja regions.

The proposal was revisited in August 2022 during the 23rd meeting of the Central Zonal Council, where it received approval but was unable to gain momentum. With the recent discussions between state officials and the Civil Aviation Ministry, the plan is now set to move ahead.

In addition to the cargo hub, CM Sai highlighted the need for enhanced air services in Chhattisgarh, including expanding flight services to Ambikapur, the divisional headquarters of Sarguja. The region, known for its vast coal reserves, is witnessing an uptick in mining activities, increasing the demand for improved air connectivity. Sai also requested the establishment of a night landing facility at Bilaspur airport, which serves the industrial towns of Korba and Raigarh.

These initiatives are part of the state’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure and support economic growth in key sectors such as mining and manufacturing.

BS