Date:12/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/02/12/stories/2008021252012100.htm

Back Bangalore freight forwarders express concern over airport relocation

Our Bureau

Bangalore, Feb. 11 Freight forwarders, key link to the cargo industry, are looking at options to tap Chennai and Hyderabad to overcome the uncertainty arising out of any firm business terms or facilities at the new Bangalore International Airport, which is expected to start its commercial operations on March 30.

With only seven weeks for the relocation of the operations from the HAL Airport to the new international airport at Devanahalli, 40 km away fro the city, the Bangalore Air Cargo Club members have expressed concern that no definite indications had been given to the operators with regard to facilities, procedures and processes that could help the industry with smooth transition of their business operations to the new airport.

“We are happy to know, that the countdown has begun with just seven weeks to go and all operations at the HAL Airport will be shutdown and BIAL will be fully operational.

“Well, on one side we are happy, we will have state-of-the-art airport, but on the other side, we are worried, as the cargo fraternity is totally isolated and lost, as we do not have any update, so as to how things will work for us.

“We are having tremendous pressure from our customers, about modality and cost,” said Mr Nirmal Singh Sandhu, President of the Bangalore Air Cargo Club.