Bangalore's air Cargo Village at Bangalore only half full

THE Cargo Village at Bangalore's Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) has not had a smooth ride since it officially opened in 2008.

It was built for INR12 crore (US$2.61 million), reported the Deccan Herald, however it has failed to impress cargo agents due to a range of problems. While, technically open for two years, the cargo village only started to function a few months ago, it was supposed to be operational in 2009.

Air cargo agents were only provided with temporary warehouse facilities, hence prospective agents have set up their own separate warehouses near the airport

"Due to delay in the opening up of the facility, a large number of agents opted to set up their own warehouses on the stretch between Sahakarnagar and the airport," said a senior member of ACCAI.

"Warehouses at the BIA lack broadband connection and other facilities. Also, there is no provision for transshipment of cargo. Even, the public-bonded warehouse facility is not available at the airport's cargo terminals," said another cargo agent.

An agent has to pay INR5,000 for a small office unit and 69.68 square metres of space costs INR15,000. At such high rent, said the report, the village lacks basic infrastructure, say agents.
(Source:www.schednet.com)