Archive · 1 Feb 2026
CIAL to be hub for multimodal cargo network
The International Cargo Business Summit (ICBS) 2026 was held at Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kochi.
Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, announced plans to make CIAL the main hub for a new cargo network that combines air, road, rail, and water routes.
He mentioned that CIAL handled a lot of cargo last year and expects even more this year.
CIAL is also working to get special approval to handle medicine shipments.
The event celebrated companies that do a great job with cargo exports.
Experts talked about how important air travel is for the economy and how Kochi is a key place for moving goods, especially perishable items like food.
They also talked about how new technologies and better ways of doing things can help meet the growing demand for moving goods.
The event highlighted Kochi's strengths as a place where air, sea, and rail transport all come together, making it easier and cheaper to move goods.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced plans to establish a multimodal cargo network with CIAL as its primary hub.
CIAL handled over 65,000 metric tonne of cargo in the last financial year, with expectations to reach 74,000 metric tonne in the current fiscal year.
CIAL has provided a 50% dividend to its investors and is working towards certification for handling pharmaceutical products.
State Industries Minister P Rajeev highlighted the establishment of logistics parks near CIAL by global companies to enhance cargo potential.
The event celebrated institutions demonstrating excellence in cargo exports, with CIAL Managing Director S. Suhas delivering the welcome speech.
- Who
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CIAL Managing Director S. Suhas, State Industries Minister P Rajeev, Industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts
- What
- International Cargo Business Summit (ICBS) 2026
- When
- January 31, 2026
- Where
- Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), Kochi
- Why
- To discuss the future of air cargo and multimodal logistics
- Event
- International Cargo Business Summit (ICBS) 2026
- Location
- Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), Kochi
- Key Speaker
- Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Chief Minister
- Cargo Warehousing Facilities
- 2.5 lakh sq. ft.
- Cargo Handled (Last Financial Year)
- 65,000 metric tonne
- Expected Cargo (Current Fiscal Year)
- 74,000 metric tonne
- CIAL's Dividend
- 50% to investors
- Key Concept
- Multimodal cargo network
- Date
- January 31, 2026
