Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday inaugurated the ₹200 crore CIAL 2.0 project at Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), describing it as a prime example of how profits can be shared for social benefit. The initiative aims to fully digitise the airport’s operations and set a benchmark in airport infrastructure modernisation.

According to the Chief Minister, CIAL continues to showcase how development can coexist with social responsibility. He noted that India saw 375 million air passengers in 2023–24, of which 275 million were domestic flyers. This 21 per cent increase from the previous year has placed India third globally in domestic air traffic volume.

Projections suggest that by 2040, India may witness up to one billion air travellers annually. The Chief Minister stressed the need for all Indian airports to be adequately equipped to handle this surge in passengers.

Highlighting the importance of traveller safety and asset protection, Vijayan said around 50,000 people use Cochin Airport daily, while nearly 100,000 visit the facility for travel-related purposes. Given these numbers, 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 ₹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 ₹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