Latest news with #CochinInternationalAirportLtd
New Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi airport's bomb squad is set for tech-off
A mechanical hound that flashes lights from its eyes, shakes hands, and hip-hops like a seasoned performer was one of the star attractions at the Aero Digital Summit held on Monday at the CIAL Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre. But don't be fooled — it's not a pet, it's a Rs 19 lakh AI-powered robotic dog developed by Dubai-based Unique World Robotics. This high-tech marvel stole the spotlight at the one-day tech expo organised as part of the launch of CIAL 2.0, a Rs 200-crore digital transformation initiative by Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). Spectators at the expo were treated to more impressive technological innovations, including a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) designed for bomb detection and disposal, a non-invasive body scanner, and a smart lane system for cabin baggage — recent additions to CIAL's infrastructure. 'The battery-operated robotic dog is mainly controlled using a mobile application,' said an official of the CIAL's new IT & communications department. 'It can be operated on a single charge for up to four hours. It's capable of moving over 700m in a single instance and can carry a load of up to 25kg.' The ROV, showcased by the CRPF team, is part of a newly-acquired bomb disposal system. 'The threat containment vessel (TVC) is capable of taking on a blast of up to 8kg of high explosive such as TNT. The system is handled by a quick-reaction team at the airport,' said a CIAL official.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Kerala's Cochin airport to get threat detection system under Rs2,000 million project
Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) is making a bold stride into the future with the launch of CIAL 2.0, a landmark initiative designed to completely digitise airport operations and enhance passenger experiences through artificial intelligence, automation, and robust cybersecurity. The Rs2,000 million transformation was launched by Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala and Chairman of CIAL on May 19. "Cochin International Airport is embracing the future with CIAL 2.0 — a visionary leap into digital transformation that puts intelligence at the heart of every operation. These projects, envisaged as per the directions of the Chairman and board of directors, are part of a comprehensive upgrade of CIAL's digital backbone, including the safeguarding of digital infrastructure, enhancement of security and operational efficiency, introduction of next-generation security systems, and improved passenger convenience through AI-driven solutions," read the statement by S. Suhas IAS, Managing Director, CIAL. Detecting threats At the core of CIAL 2.0 is the establishment of the Cyber Defence Operations Centre (CDOC) — a cutting-edge facility focused on proactively safeguarding digital infrastructure. It is the first full-fledged on-premises server facility at an Indian airport, supported by CDAC, featuring real-time threat intelligence, 24x7 proactive monitoring, and rapid incident response capabilities. With increasing cyber threats in the aviation sector, the CDOC employs advanced security tools to detect, neutralise, and pre-empt external threats, including hacking attempts, malware intrusions, and ransomware attacks. This real-time digital shield ensures that CIAL's vast network and IT backbone remain resilient, uninterrupted, and secure — making it a national benchmark in airport cybersecurity. Full-body scanners for contactless screening Full-body scanners provide fast, contactless, non-intrusive passenger screening that meets international standards. These enhancements ensure seamless yet thorough security checks without compromising passenger comfort. Automated tray retrieval system Deploying the Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) at security checkpoints will improve passenger convenience and processing speed. The system automates the movement of security trays, reducing manual handling and significantly speeding up the cabin baggage screening process. AI-based surveillance system A powerful, AI-driven surveillance network is now active at CIAL, with over 4,000 intelligent cameras monitoring terminal interiors, airside zones, and other sensitive areas. These AI-powered systems use deep learning for behaviour analysis, real-time threat detection, and fast response. The result is a quantum leap in security precision and situational awareness, ensuring that both passengers and personnel operate in a safe environment at all times. Next-gen security infrastructure Security at CIAL is fortified with a suite of advanced tools: Bomb Detection and Disposal System (BDDS) includes new liquid explosive detectors, portable X-ray devices, and Threat Containment Vessels (TCV) for handling high-risk materials. CIAL's digital backbone will be upgraded with the following features: A revamped Airport Operational Database (AODB), Flight Information Display System (FIDS), and Automatic Flight Announcement System Introduction of Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) to allow flexible, shared-use counters for airlines. A next-gen data centre based on Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI), offering scalable, secure back-end support. Upgraded network infrastructure to ensure high-speed and fail-safe connectivity across airport operations. Innovation suite India
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her body cannot endure this level of pain; please help her. Donate For Health Learn More Undo "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.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Kerala CM launches Rs 200 cr IT infrastructure project at Cochin Airport
Kochi (Kerala) [India], May 19 (ANI): Cochin International Airport Ltd is presenting a model of socialising profit, said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the launch of the Rs 200-crore CIAL 2.0 project, which aims to fully digitise the airport's operations. In 2023-24, 375 million people in India travelled by air, of which 275 million were domestic passengers. This marks a 21 per cent 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 themselves to accommodate such large-scale growth. 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 Cochin 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 cybersecurity 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. Apart from these initiatives, several large-scale projects launched last year are progressing rapidly. The apron construction, part of the Rs 700-crore International Terminal development, is in its final stages. The commercial zone being constructed in front of Terminal 3 is also advancing steadily. These developments have created around 29,000 job opportunities. CIAL is committed to offering maximum benefits to investors, local communities, and workers. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, it distributed a 45 per cent dividend to investors. The company has also undertaken multiple bridge construction projects and recently launched a society for cargo loading and unloading contract workers, which is functioning effectively. Notably, CIAL plays a key role in the Wayanad Model Township project initiated by the state government. It is independently installing solar panels on all 400 houses in the township. (ANI)
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
New multiplex launches to boost Kochi's entertainment sector
Kochi: The entertainment sector will receive a major boost with several multiplex theatres expected to come up in the city and its suburbs soon. Besides the existing more than half-a-dozen major multiplex theatres in different shopping malls, at least four more multiplex theatres will come soon. A noted theatre group based in Kochi will launch a new four-screen multiplex at Kakkanad soon, and another multiplex will be opened in an upcoming major shopping mall at Willingdon Island. A four-screen multiplex theatre will come up at Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) in Nedumbassery, and a new multiplex will be opened on Chittoor Road soon. A new multiplex is proposed as part of Chithranjali project in Kakkanad. The twin theatres of Lulu and Mymoon, which closed down 15 years ago, on Chittoor Road will be reopened within four months. They will be revived as a multiplex theatre by Lulu Group in collaboration with PVR Cinemas. The theatre complex is situated on around 2 acres of prime land. Mohanlal's 'Mahasamudram' was the last major release at the theatre. The new project will be a standalone theatre project by PVR group with four to five screens, including a PIXL screen, it is learned. HiLITE will set up its screens at its Boulevard project near Thoppumpady under its own theatre brand 'Palaxi Cinemas'. The new multiplex to come up at Cial's proposed mall in the airport compound is in the initial stage of discussions. "Cinema halls, both multiplexes and traditional theatres, have successfully drawn substantial audiences over the last year, contributing to the rapid expansion of multiplexes across urban areas. While multiplex operators face significant challenges and losses in various states due to film industry difficulties, their operations in Kerala continue to generate substantial profits," said K Vijayakumar, president of Film Exhibitors United Organisations of Kerala (Feuok). Besides new ones, many theatres are planning major facelifts in the coming months. There are reports of Dolby Laboratories planning to launch Dolby Cinema Screens at an existing multiplex theatre in Fort Kochi. One of the oldest theatre complexes in the city, Saritha, Savitha and Sangeetha, is under renovation and will be modernised soon. In Dec last year, Cinepolis opened the first Imax screen in Kochi, at Centre Square Mall on MG Road. The theatre, with seating for 229, has 4K laser projection and a patented sound system. "The multiplexes boom indicates an increase in city's economic growth. Kochi has the highest number of screens, and new theatres opening is expected to give a boost to the city's growth as the capital of Mollywood," said Arjun Prakash of Kochi Next Forum collective. The growth of malls has often been closely tied to the rise of multiplexes, as both benefit from increased visitor traffic. Notably, several once-prestigious malls across the state that lack multiplexes are now struggling, with top retailers shutting down. As the middle class continues to grow, more multiplexes are likely to emerge in the city and its suburbs. However, the key to their sustained success lies in the consistent performance of the films they screen. **Info Box** Now Showing Major Cinemas - PVR at Lulu Mall - Shenoy's Multiplex - PVR Multiplex at Oberon Mall - Vanitha Vineetha Complex - Pan Cinemas, Nucleus Mall - Cinepolis Centre Square Mall, MG Road - PVR Forum Mall, Maradu Upcoming Projects - Magic Frames, Kakkanad - Chithranjali, Kakkanad - PVR Lulu Mymoon, Chittoor Road - Cial Mall multiplex, Nedumbassery - HiLITE Boulevard, Willingdon Island
