Agartala/IBNS: A new cargo complex was inaugurated at Maharaja Bir Bikram airport in Agartala on Friday making it the second largest in the northeast region, next to Guwahati airport.

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) stated that the outgoing cargo operations have not taken place since December 2022 because the old cargo facility was shut down by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) due to a lack of security vetting.

As a result, post offices, courier services, and other trade and export-related services are facing difficulties.

At an approximate cost of Rs 17 crore, a new cargo complex has been built. It has the capacity to handle 40,150 metric tonnes of cargo annually and is equipped with amenities such as cold storage for perishable items, storage facilities for dangerous goods, and a generously sized storage area.

In the presence of government and Airport Authority of India officials, the Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury inaugurated the new cargo complex.

The complex will be maintained and operated by AAI Cargo and Logistics Services, which is a subsidiary of AAI. Its purpose is to facilitate seamless and trouble-free movement of cargo.

K.C. Meena Director of MBB Airport stated the commencement of cargo operations is expected to stimulate growth and accelerate the transportation of perishable items and products from the state.

The airport in Agartala, MBB Airport, became capable of handling international flights after the inauguration of the new integrated terminal building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 4 of last year.

AAI officials have stated that the MBB airport, situated 20 km north of Agartala city, is the second busiest airport in the northeast region after Guwahati airport, in terms of aircraft and passenger traffic.

The new integrated terminal building at MBB airport, constructed at a cost of Rs 500 crore and covering an area of 30,000 square meters, has been specifically designed to accommodate 1,500 passengers during peak hours, including 200 international passengers.

It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the needs of travelers.