The multi-modal cargo hub (MMCH) at Jewar, part of the Noida International Airport project, is set to begin operations once international flight services commence later this year. The first phase of the cargo terminal, spanning 87 acres, is designed to handle 2.5 lakh tonnes of cargo annually 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 terminal, shared that the ICT Phase 1 building is complete. "Caster decks and motorized workstations for handling cargo unit load devices (ULDs) have been installed, and screening equipment will be operational by April," he told TOI. The IWLZ, which includes a parking center for 42 trucks and a docking zone for 27 heavy vehicles at the ICT, is also ready.

AISATS, a joint venture between Air India and Singapore Airport Terminal Services, has developed the ICT over 30 acres to cater to various types of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, express courier items, and special cargo like dangerous and high-value goods. A cloud-based cargo management system will further reduce turnaround times for shipments and ensure track-and-trace capabilities.

The MMCH aims to position India’s northern region as a key global logistics hub, particularly as part of the “China Plus One” strategy, where companies diversify supply chains to reduce dependency on China. Rajamani emphasized that the next-generation infrastructure of the cargo hub would make Noida International Airport a vital link in global supply chains, particularly for electronics, agri-perishables, and temperature-sensitive shipments.

Additionally, the cargo hub will feature express cargo lanes for time-sensitive shipments such as e-commerce goods and high-value items. "We are collaborating with e-commerce platforms, third-party logistics providers, and regulatory bodies to streamline coordination across multiple transport modes," Rajamani added.

The cargo hub will also include a single-window system connecting airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, importers, exporters, and regulatory bodies, facilitating real-time data exchange, cargo visibility, and process automation. AISATS plans to partner with both domestic and international cargo agents to develop the MMCH as a world-class facility capable of handling electronics, garments, auto components, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value goods.

Rajamani noted that the response from logistics players has been highly encouraging, with significant interest from global freight forwarders and electronics companies. The cargo hub is also aligned with the UP Food Processing Industry Policy 2023, with plans to develop cold storage, agri-processing, and logistics infrastructure. Phase 2 of the hub will include a state-of-the-art coolport for agri-perishables and temperature-sensitive cargo.

The government has also initiated a panel to study a financial model for a fruit-based processing unit near the hub, aimed at exporting tinned fruits and juices sourced from local farmers. Officials indicated that the World Bank may provide Rs. 350 crore to establish the processing facility, which will be integrated with the coolport system developed by AISATS.