Jewar’s Multi-Modal Cargo Hub to begin operations alongside Airport launch this year, set to handle 2.5 Lakh tonnes of freight
NEW DELHI : The Multi-Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) at Jewar is poised to commence operations later this year in tandem with the launch of international flight services from Noida International Airport.
Designed to handle 2.5 lakh tonnes of cargo annually in its first phase, the hub is spread over 87 acres and will be the first in India to feature direct connectivity between an International Cargo Terminal (ICT) and an Integrated Warehousing and Logistics Zone (IWLZ).
Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO of Air India SATS (AISATS), which is developing the cargo terminal, confirmed, “Caster deck and motorised workstations for handling cargo unit load devices (ULDs) have been installed. Screening equipment will be ready by April.” He added that phase 1 of the ICT building is complete.
Developed over 30 acres, the ICT will manage general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, express couriers, and special consignments such as dangerous and high-value goods.
The facility will also feature a cloud-based cargo management system with track-and-trace technology to reduce shipment turnaround time.
At the IWLZ, a truck parking facility for 42 vehicles and a docking area for 27 heavy-duty trucks are already operational.
AISATS, a joint venture between Air India Limited and Singapore Airport Terminal Services, is also setting up express lanes for rapid processing of time-sensitive shipments such as e-commerce parcels and high-value items.
“MMCH’s next-gen infrastructure has the potential to make Noida International Airport a vital link within global supply chains,” Rajamani noted, stressing its strategic role in the ‘China Plus One’ diversification strategy.
The MMCH will feature a single-window airport cargo community system linking all stakeholders from airlines and freight forwarders to customs brokers and regulatory agencies offering real-time cargo tracking and process automation.
Phase 2 will see the development of a state-of-the-art coolport to support agri-perishables and temperature-sensitive shipments.
The Uttar Pradesh government, under the Food Processing Industry Policy 2023, plans a fruit-based processing unit integrated with the coolport. The World Bank is likely to provide Rs 350 crore for the facility.
“The response from leading logistics players has been highly encouraging,” said Rajamani, highlighting strong interest from global freight forwarders and electronics manufacturers.