A Russian cargo plane which landed in Madurai International Airport on Thursday with equipment for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tirunelveli has raised eyebrows of exporters and trade body representatives demanding international cargo facility for the last couple of years.
They alleged that despite receiving clearance in 2013, the international cargo facility is yet to be operational at the airport. Scanners and other required facilities were installed long back, but the Customs department was yet to take custodianship for the cargo, said exporters, adding that it was “due to the lack of will to execute things quickly.”
They said that the Russian cargo was immediately cleared by the Customs department after receiving approval from the terminal director, as it was in the interest of the government. They demanded that the authorities show the same urgency in safeguarding the interests of farmers and exporters.
The exporters said that there was a huge potential for export of vegetables, fruits and flowers from Madurai and the facility would help farmers get good price for their produce as they would be able to export directly. Derrick Thomas Authentic Jersey
