CM praises Cial for socializing profit, launches digitization project
Kochi: Lauding
Cochin International Airport Ltd
(Cial) for being a model for socializing profit,
chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan
on Monday launched the Rs 200-crore
Cial 2.0 project
, which aims to fully digitize airport operations. Vijayan emphasized the strategic importance of ensuring safety of air passengers and protection of airport assets.
With around 50,000 passengers travelling through Kochi airport daily and close to 1,00,000 people visiting the premises for travel-related needs, security of digital assets becomes even more significant. The airport also hosts over 400 govt and non-govt agencies, 30 airlines, around 200 commercial establishments, including hotels, and more than 12,000 employees, making it a vast and complex travel hub.
Cial 2.0 project incorporates various initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, automation and foolproof cybersecurity to tackle emerging challenges in cyberspace and enhance travel experience.
As part of the project, full-body scanners have been introduced, eliminating need for physical pat-downs during security checks. An automated tray retrieval system has been implemented to speed up cabin baggage screening.
Additionally, 4,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras have been installed to strengthen airport and perimeter security. Airport's existing bomb detection and disposal system is also being upgraded.
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"Apart from these initiatives, several large-scale projects launched last year are progressing rapidly. Apron construction, part of the Rs 700-crore international terminal development, is in its final stages. Commercial zone being constructed in front of Terminal 3 is also advancing steadily. These developments have created around 29,000 job opportunities," said a Cial official.
Cial authorities said the firm is committed to offering maximum benefits to investors, local communities and workers.
"In 2023-24 fiscal year, it distributed a 45% dividend to investors," said an official. The company also undertook multiple bridge construction projects and recently launched a society for cargo loading and unloading contract workers, which is functioning effectively. Cial plays a key role in Wayanad Model Township project initiated by state govt.
It is independently installing solar panels on all 400 houses in the township.
Industries minister P Rajeeve presided over the inaugural event. MLAs Anwar Sadath and Roji M John; MPs Benny Behanan, Hibi Eden and Haris Beeran, and Cial managing director S Suhas also attended the programme.
As part of the event, aero digital summit featuring an AI experience centre, a robotics display and a panel discussion involving leading national AI experts were held.
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