In a move that is expected to help the business community of Kashmir, Srinagar International Airport has been notified as to the custodian for import and export of goods directly from Srinagar to international destinations.
Officials said that the Government of India, acting through the commissioner of customs, has notified the Srinagar airport as custodian for the import and export of goods from abroad at the airport’s cargo terminal. “With this authorisation and notification by the government of India, we can now offer our services to the business community for the import and export of goods directly from Srinagar,” Srinagar airport director Kuldeep Singh said in a statement.
He said that airlines can now operate exclusive cargo flights. “They can also take cargo in their international passenger flights,” he added. The officer invited all the airlines to make full use of this facility and commence their cargo operations from Srinagar airport.
“We also call upon the business community of Srinagar and surrounding areas to expand their horizons, dream big, and turn the world into their market by making full use of this great opportunity,” the airport director said. He was hopeful that this facility will be a huge step in the direction of economic development and create many jobs by multiplier effect in the catchment area of the airport.
The business community of Kashmir has welcomed the decision but sought enhanced direct connectivity between Srinagar and other international airports like Jeddah and Sharjah. Sheikh Ashiq, president of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the airport is now the custodian of the warehouse where the goods will be stored.
“We had been making this demand for a long time and it was much required. Now, we can have cargo facilities, but we should have more Srinagar-based international flights,” he added. “We have started GI tagging of products as well. Now, if the goods can directly go to Dubai or Sharjah, we will benefit a lot in terms of freight. Earlier, we first had to send them to Delhi or Mumbai and then to International destinations,” he said.
Ashiq, however, said if there was no enhanced direct connectivity, then this (being custodian) was of no use. “Connectivity is the basic requirement for this cargo terminal. We need to have direct connectivity with the rest of the world,” he added.
He said that they have requested Jammu and Kashmir LG to start Srinagar-Jeddah flight once a week as it will not only open doors for the Umrah pilgrims and people working there, but to those too who use this cargo facility. “Similarly Srinagar-Sharjah flight should be restored at least once a week so that we can send our products directly from this place,” Ashiq said.
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