Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a ₹200 crore IT infrastructure initiative at Cochin International Airport, aimed at achieving complete digitization of its operations. During the inauguration of the CIAL 2.0 project, the Chief Minister emphasized that the airport exemplifies a model of social profit rather than privatization. He underscored the critical importance of ensuring the safety of air passengers and safeguarding airport assets.
With approximately 50,000 passengers utilizing CIAL daily and nearly 100,000 individuals visiting for travel-related purposes, the security of digital assets is of paramount importance.
The CIAL 2.0 project includes a range of initiatives centered on artificial intelligence, automation, and robust cybersecurity measures to tackle emerging challenges in cyberspace and improve the travel experience. In the fiscal year 2023–24, 375 million individuals in India traveled by air, with 275 million being domestic passengers, reflecting a 21 percent increase from the previous year and positioning India as the third-largest country in terms of domestic air passenger traffic.
Projections indicate that by 2040, India will accommodate one billion air travelers annually, necessitating that all airports in the nation prepare for such significant growth, as stated by the Chief Minister. The introduction of full-body scanners has eliminated the requirement for physical pat-downs during security screenings, while an automated tray retrieval system has been implemented to expedite cabin baggage checks.
Furthermore, 4,000 AI-enabled surveillance cameras have been installed to enhance security at the airport and its perimeter, and the existing bomb detection and disposal system is being upgraded as part of the CIAL 2.0 initiative.
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, he added.