Latest news with #CochinInternationalAirport
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kerala CM launches Rs 200-crore I.T. infrastructure project at Kochi airport
KOCHI: India will see one billion air travellers annually by 2040 and all airports in the country must prepare to accommodate such large-scale growth, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Monday. He was speaking during the launch of the Rs 200-crore CIAL 2.0 project, which aims to fully digitise the operations of Cochin International Airport. 'In 2023–24, 375 million people in India travelled by air, of which 275 million were domestic passengers. This marks a 21% increase compared to the previous year, placing India third in the world in terms of domestic air passenger numbers. It is estimated that by 2040, India will see one billion air travellers annually. All airports in the country must prepare, on their own, to accommodate such large-scale growth.' Pinarayi Vijayan said. The chief minister emphasised the strategic importance of ensuring the safety of air passengers and the protection of airport assets. With around 50,000 passengers travelling through Kochi Airport daily, and close to 100,000 people visiting the premises for travel-related needs, the security of digital assets becomes even more significant. The airport also hosts over 400 government and non-government agencies, 30 airlines, around 200 commercial establishments including hotels, and more than 12,000 employees, making it a vast and complex travel hub. The CIAL 2.0 project incorporates various initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, automation, and foolproof cyber security to tackle emerging challenges in cyberspace and enhance travel experience. With an investment of Rs 200 crore, the project is designed to improve passenger convenience and security. As part of the project, full-body scanners have been introduced, eliminating the need for physical pat-downs during security checks. An automated tray retrieval system has also been implemented to speed up cabin baggage screening. Additionally, 4,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras have been installed to strengthen airport and perimeter security. The airport's existing bomb detection and disposal system is also being upgraded through CIAL 2.0.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Digital upgrade will ensure foolproof security in CIAL, says CM
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Monday that Cochin International Airport, as a company, socialised profits, sharing it with society instead of privatising the profits. He was speaking at the inauguration of CIAL 2.0, the ₹200-crore total digitisation programme of the airport. The Chief Minister, who is also the chairperson of CIAL, said this was a time when the air travellers and assets of airports should be protected with great care. The Kochi airport handled around 50,000 passengers daily. More than 400 government and quasi government agencies, 30 airlines, hotels, around 200 commercial establishments, and 12,000 workers were functioning at the airport, he said. Artificial intelligence and automation provided foolproof security through the newly inaugurated features, he added. These features would help the airport face new cybersecurity challenges and make passenger movement smoother. Through scanners A communication from CIAL said the complete digitisation of the airport operations would make passenger handling smooth and introduce state-of-the-art security features. There would be full-body scanners at the departure security check-points. The new features allow the passengers to pass through scanners instead of CISF personnel scanning the passengers using metal detectors. If banned substances are being carried, the passengers can turn back, get rid of them and return. Another feature of the new digitised system is the automatic tray retrieval system for hand baggage. The mechanised scanning system will make the process much faster. AI-assisted cameras CIAL will also mount 4,000 AI-assisted cameras to improve security arrangements in the operations areas as well as in areas surrounding the airport. An aero digital summit was conducted from 2.30 p.m. as part of the inauguration of the new features. The public was allowed to enter the Experience Centre to view the live demonstration of new features.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- The Hindu
Haj operations to start on Friday
Arrangements are in place for the Haj operations from Kerala. Pilgrims from the State will fly to Makkah from three embarkation points: Kozhikode, Kannur and Kochi. The first Haj flight from Kerala under the supervision of the State Haj Committee will depart from Calicut International Airport, Karipur, at 1.05 a.m. on May 10. The pilgrims of the inaugural flight (IX3011) should report at Karipur by 9 a.m. on Friday (May 9). Those travelling on the second flight (IX 3031) should report at the camp at 3 p.m. on Friday. The pilgrims should report near pillar number 5 at the airport. State Haj inspectors travelling with each flight groups will inform the pilgrims of their detailed journey schedule. The last flight from Karipur will be on May 22. There will be 31 flights from Karipur to carry 5,361 pilgrims. The inaugural flight from Kannur will leave at 4 a.m. on May 11. As many as 4,929 pilgrims will be flying from Kannur, including 73 from Karnataka and 31 from Mahe. Pilgrims of the inaugural flight from Kannur (IX3041) should report at 10 a.m. on May 10. Those travelling on the second flight (IX3043) at 7.30 p.m. on May 11 should report at 6 a.m. on May 11. All pilgrims should report first at the airport registration counters. They will be guided to Haj camps after handing over their baggage at the airport. The inaugural Haj flight from Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, will leave on May 16. A three-member Central Haj Committee group comprising Hasham Parkar, Ahmed Shaikh and Abdul Wahid Muqaddam reached Karipur on Tuesday and reviewed the preparations.
Gulf Today
03-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Renowned Indian surgeon found dead, suicide not recovered
Prominent nephrologist and senior surgeon Dr George P. Abraham was found dead at his farmhouse near the Cochin International Airport, Indian state of Kerala. The 77-year-old, one of the leading kidney transplant surgeons in the country, was found hanging in his farmhouse, and a suicide note was also recovered. In the note, he mentions that due to his failing health, he is not able to go forward with his duties. Abraham, in his nearly five-decade career, has done more than 2,500 kidney transplants, which is a record in Kerala. On Saturday also, he was active at the private hospital here, where he met patients Abraham had recently undergone spine surgery. A resident near his farmhouse said that every Sunday, he made it a point to visit his farmhouse and spend time there. "Like that, he was here on Sunday (2nd March). His brother was also along with him,' said the local, who on Monday morning was startled to hear the news that the doctor had committed suicide. Dr Abraham had arrived at the farmhouse with his younger brother on Sunday evening and later sent him away. He was later found hanging in the farmhouse. In his long career as a renal transplant specialist, Abraham wrote himself into medical history when he became just the third surgeon to harvest a kidney from a donor using the laparoscopic method. Among the other path-breaking work done by Abraham includes a transplant from a cadaver and a few other procedures not normally done in Kerala A very strong academic, Abraham was a popular person, attending seminars and meetings and sharing his expertise with his juniors. The local police have registered a case of unnatural death and have commenced a probe. His funeral will be held in the afternoon at St George Jacobite Syrian Church, Cheruthottukunnel.
