Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has outlined an ambitious slate of projects for the current fiscal, ranging from expanding its international terminal (T3) to commissioning the world’s first green hydrogen plant at an airport.
West Coast Canal Project
CIAL’s wholly owned subsidiary, CIAL Infrastructures Ltd (CIL), is spearheading the prestigious West Coast Canal project, a 590 km waterway running parallel to Kerala’s coastline from Kovalam to Bekal. The first phase, a 235 km stretch from Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva in Thrissur, is slated for completion by January next year.
As part of this initiative, CIL is introducing a state-of-the-art light and sound show on an electric boat that will traverse the historic 150-year-old Chilakkoor Waterway Tunnel near Varkala. Despite minor land acquisition delays affecting other segments of the canal, the electric boat and supporting tourism infrastructure are on track for commissioning this fiscal. The integrated approach to clean energy and sustainable infrastructure reinforces CIL’s pioneering role in Kerala’s development landscape.
Business Park Development
Cochin International Aviation Services Ltd (CIASL), another CIAL subsidiary, is building a 33,500 sq. ft. business park featuring co-working spaces for 300 employees, classrooms for aviation programs, a seminar hall, and a restaurant. The project is expected to be completed by December.
Green Hydrogen Plant
CIAL, in partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), has completed construction of a 1,000-kilowatt green hydrogen plant and filling station at Kochi Airport. The plant, capable of producing 200 kg of green hydrogen daily via four electrolysers, will initially fuel airport vehicles. Commercial sales of hydrogen will commence once more hydrogen-powered vehicles are introduced in the state.
T3 Expansion
CIAL is also expanding Terminal 3, expected to be completed by year-end. The project includes eight additional aerobridges to enhance accessibility and convenience, along with the development of substantial commercial spaces in the international waiting hall.
