Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday launched the ₹200 crore CIAL 2.0 project at Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), marking a major leap toward digital transformation and enhanced security at one of India’s busiest airports. Describing the project as a model of “socialising profit,” the Chief Minister praised CIAL for balancing technological advancement with social responsibility.

CIAL 2.0, a forward-looking initiative, aims to fully digitalise airport operations by leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and robust cybersecurity frameworks. The project is designed to enhance passenger convenience and security and prepare the airport for the exponential growth in air travel expected in the coming decades.

Addressing a gathering at the launch, the Chief Minister pointed out the growing pressure on Indian airports due to rising air traffic. “In 2023–24, 375 million passengers travelled by air in India, including 275 million domestic flyers. This represents a 21% increase over the previous year, positioning India as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally,” he said. “By 2040, it is projected that one billion passengers will fly annually in India. Airports must modernise rapidly to meet this demand.”

Highlighting the scale and complexity of Cochin Airport’s operations, the Chief Minister noted that approximately 50,000 passengers use the airport daily, and nearly 100,000 people visit it for travel-related purposes. With over 400 governmental and non-governmental agencies, 30 airlines, 200 commercial establishments, and more than 12,000 employees operating on-site, CIAL functions as a massive ecosystem. In such a setting, he emphasised, securing both physical and digital infrastructure is of utmost importance.

Under the CIAL 2.0 initiative, several technological upgrades have already been implemented. These include the deployment of full-body scanners, eliminating the need for physical frisking during security checks, and the introduction of an automated tray retrieval system to expedite cabin baggage screening. In a significant move to bolster surveillance, 4,000 AI-powered cameras have been installed across the terminal and perimeter areas. The airport’s bomb detection and disposal mechanisms are also being modernised.

The Chief Minister lauded CIAL’s commitment to inclusive development and its exemplary record of reinvesting profits into infrastructure and community initiatives. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, the airport distributed a 45% dividend to its investors. Moreover, CIAL has taken up several public infrastructure initiatives, including bridge construction projects, and has formed a society for cargo loading and unloading contract workers, which is currently operational.

Another highlight of CIAL’s social initiatives is its contribution to the Wayanad Model Township project, where the company is independently installing solar panels on 400 houses, promoting sustainable development.

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In addition to CIAL 2.0, several major infrastructure projects are progressing rapidly at the airport. These include the ongoing apron construction under the ₹700 crore International Terminal development, which is nearing completion. A commercial zone in front of Terminal 3 is also under development. Collectively, these projects have generated around 29,000 job opportunities.

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