The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has South Asia’s largest cargo gateway, Delhi Cargo Terminal. Besides, it is one of India’s most important logistics hubs, famous for handling a large volume of domestic and international consignments.
Moreover, it is the primary air cargo facility in the NCR (National Capital Region), famous for its vital role in commerce, trade, and supply chain management.
Thus, the article below discusses the Delhi Cargo Terminal in detail, along with its operations, facilities, documents required, transit procedures, and certain frequently asked questions. So, if you are an individual or a businessman interested in cargo shipments, the following information will be of great help to you 🙂
Basic Details of the Delhi Cargo Terminal
The following details of the Delhi Cargo Terminal will help you learn the basic credentials. You can also visit this website to review the rest of the essential data.
Location
This cargo terminal is located within the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IATA: DEL, ICAO: VIDP), which is only 16 km from the center of the capital, Delhi.
You can reach there through the following address and map:
Import Bld-3, International Cargo Terminal, IGI Airport, New Delhi, 110037, India.
Options for transportation
Furthermore, the following are the common means of transportation that you can use to reach the cargo terminal.
- The nearest to the Indira Gandhi International Airport is the Metro Station (Line 10). After that, you need to go for an 18-minute walk to reach the target location.
- In addition, multiple bus routes, such as 534A, 780, 717B, AIR-05, and AIR-06, lead near the cargo terminal. Also, the closest bus stop is the Cargo Express I.G.I.Airport (T) Gate, and you can be at your destination with a 1-minute walk.
- Lastly, you can hire private transport, including app-based cabs (Uber, Ola) and taxis, to be there at the cargo terminal.
Operating hours
The official timings of the cargo terminal are from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Several logistics providers, including Sea and DSV Air, follow similar operating hours. However, in case of urgent shipments, they may offer extended services.
Facilities and Infrastructure of Delhi Cargo Terminal
The cargo terminal spans over 150 acres of the Delhi Airport with a yearly capacity of 1.8 million metric tonnes. Nonetheless, it may lead to an increase of up to 2.3 million metric tonnes.
Amazingly, the terminal has almost 12 designated parking bays for freighters to handle the large volumes of cargo traffic. Thus, this will lead to an easier loading and unloading of the cargo at the same time on one aircraft to reduce the turnaround time.
Runways and handling capacity
The Airport of Delhi has four runways, and the longest is Runway 11R/29L, reaching almost 4,430 meters. Surprisingly, it is capable of accommodating large freighters such as the Antonov An-124 and Boeing 747-8F. Moreover, this cargo terminal is famous for handling:
- Over 1.1 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. This sums up to almost 30% of the air cargo business in India.
- Perishable goods, hazardous materials, pharmaceuticals, electronic automotive parts, etc.
- 24×7 custom clearances for import and export shipments, leading to accurate processing times as expected by the customer.
- Segregated sections for different types of cargo, including live animals, valuable products, hazardous materials, etc.
Warehousing and cold storage
- The terminal has bonded warehouses to be used for customs-cleared goods waiting for distribution.
- Moreover, the Delhi Cargo Terminal is also popular for its advanced facilities. For instance, under GDP (Good Distribution Practices), it has temperature-controlled zones efficient in maintaining temperature from -20°C to +25°C. This is necessary to properly handle sensitive products, including perishables and pharmaceuticals.
- Furthermore, the terminal also has ‘cool dolly units’, which are special vehicles to transport temperature-sensitive cargo from the terminal to the aircraft.
Technology and security
Utilizing the best technological integration enables the terminal to efficiently handle the cargo items. For example,
- Advanced cargo screening, such as X-ray, QR-based code, and explosive detection systems, enhances security. Thus, this leads to a reduction in human handling errors and paperwork in cargo engagements.
- Besides, the automated cargo handling and weighing system in Delhi Cargo Terminal ensures that the measurements are accurate and according to the standards of the regulatory body.
- In addition, the integration of the management system allows the officials to monitor the cargo’s journey even within the terminal in real-time. Moreover, it also connects other stakeholders, airlines, and customs officers to ensure minimal or no delay.
- Lastly, 24/7 surveillance within the Delhi Cargo Terminal guarantees the prevention of damage and theft.
Variety of Cargo Handled at the Delhi Cargo Terminal
The following section highlights the types of cargo processed at the Delhi Cargo Terminal.
General cargo
The general cargo included the non-hazardous and non-perishable items, such as,
- Textiles and apparel (fabrics and readymade garments)
- Electronics and IT items (laptops, smartphones, semiconductors)
- Industrial machinery (manufacturing equipment)
- Automotive parts (spare parts or engine components)
Make sure to accept this consignment at least 360 minutes before departure. Moreover, the expected delivery time is within 150–360 minutes after arrival. Ambient temperature warehouses (15-20°C) are good for these items.
Perishable items
The terminal is equipped with advanced cold storage facilities to handle temperature-sensitive goods, including,
- Pharmaceuticals (biologics, vaccines)
- Fresh products (vegetables, fruits, and flowers)
- Meat and seafood
- Dairy products
Frozen items and pharmaceuticals need to be stored at a temperature from 2-8°C to -20°C. Furthermore, it should be handled within a 300-minute pre-departure cutoff.
Dangerous goods (HAZMAT)
The Delhi Cargo Terminal also handles the following dangerous items.
- Chemicals and flammables (aerosols, lithium batteries)
- Radioactive materials (industrial gauges, medical isotopes)
- Explosives
These items should be shipped under the IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) Act. It has an extended processing time, i.e., 600-minute pre-departure cutoff. Besides, it should be stored within the segregated zones with fireproof utensils.
High-value and sensitive items
These may include the following:
- Valuables (banknotes, art, gold, jewelry)
- Confidential documents (legal papers, diplomatic shipments)
- Electronics (devices requiring anti-theft measures)
The boxes of these high-value and sensitive items should have a tamper-proof seal. Moreover, they should have 24/7 surveillance security with CCTV and armed guards.
Heavy and oversized cargo
Furthermore, the terminal also handles specialized freight, including,
- Construction equipment
- Industrial generators and turbines
- Aircraft parts (Airbus H125 helicopter, weighing around 6,540 kg)
They should be transported to the designated location with the help of a heavy lift crane, almost 50+ tons capacity.
Live animals (AVI cargo)
Lastly, live animals are also a type of cargo handled by the Delhi Cargo Terminal.
- Livestock (cattle, poultry)
- Exotic animals (zoological shipments)
- Pets (dogs, cats)
These animals should be kept in ventilated and climate-controlled zones, including the veterinary-inspected areas.
Key Logistics Providers at the Delhi Cargo Terminal
Several globally recognized and domestic logistics firms operate at the Delhi Cargo Terminal. For instance, look at the following points for a clear understanding.
- DSV Air and Sea is responsible for handling air and sea freight cargo.
- Air India Cargo and SpiceXpress handle the cargo divisions based on the chosen airline.
- DHL, Blue Dart, FedEx, etc. can be used for express courier services.
- Furthermore, CDCTMIPL also operates on the brownfield of the cargo terminal. Alternatively, it is also known as Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt. Ltd. In addition, it was rebuilt, expanded, and modernized in 2011-2012.
- DCSC contributes to the overall capacity of the cargo terminals. Delhi Cargo Service Center is a greenfield service provider with modern facilities.
- Delhi International Cargo Terminals Private Limited, or DICT, is a game-changer in the logistics sector. It is famous for its container train operations, freight forwarding, project logistics, and port infrastructure.
Documents Required for Shipments at the Delhi Cargo Terminal
This section will be of great help to those individuals who want to be a part of the crew at the Delhi Cargo Terminal. Therefore, you need to recheck the documents required for the domestic and international cargo.
Domestic cargo
- An Airway Bill (AWB) that you can get from the freight forwarder or airline
- Packing list to represent the itemized breakdown of the content
- A commercial invoice to demonstrate the details of the goods, their value, and the name of the consignee
- Lastly, the details of the GST (Goods and Services Tax) are to ensure tax compliance
International cargo
The international cargo shipment has a long list to go.
- Commercial invoice along with the packing list
- Bill of Lading (BOL) or Airway Bill (AWB)
- If you want to claim trade benefits, you must have a certificate of origin
- Customs declaration form that you can submit electronically via ICEGATE
- Licence of import or export, if applicable
- Hazardous materials require you to get approval from the DGCA
- Lastly, agricultural products need you to have a phytosanitary certificate to ship the items from one place to another
Visa Requirements for Cargo Handlers
The requirement for a visa depends on the mode of delivery, the shipper, and the cargo type. Two of the following situations are common in this case.
- Those cargo handlers do not need a visa if the local logistics service providers handle the shipments.
- On the other hand, foreign nationals may need to have a business visa (B-1) who are entering India for trade purposes. Moreover, this also allows them to perform personal supervision, if applicable.
Generally, cargo handlers need a transit visa depending on the destination country and their responsibilities. Each country may have specific visa categories for its crew members, so it is important to check with the target country’s requirements.
Cargo Release Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Go through the following section to learn about the cargo clearance process.
Step 1: Documents for pre-shipment
Make sure that all the documents are complete. Moreover, if you are opting for e-clearance, you need to digitally upload those documents as well.
Step 2: Inspection by the customs
You will understand whether the goods require inspection or not, depending on the color coding.
Green color: No inspection is required for low-risk and pre-approved shipments
Yellow color: Random checks, such as document verification, to ensure authenticity
Red color: High-risk goods need physical inspection
Step 3: Duty payment
Furthermore, the third step is all about the calculated cost based on the CTA (Customs Tariff Act) and IGST.
Step 4: Cargo release
Lastly, if the cargo is cleared, it will be handed over to the consignee or forwarded for the last-mile delivery to reach the final client.
Final Thoughts
The logistics network of India is greatly dependent on the Delhi Cargo Terminal. This is because it offers robust custom processing, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and advanced security measures.
Thus, following this guide will make it easier for you to understand the complexities of the air freight operations at the IGI Airport’s cargo terminal. Moreover, if you are an individual or a businessman dealing with the business of import and export, learning the documents needed and the clearance process will make the experience hassle-free for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get customs clearance at the Delhi Cargo Terminal?
The processing time varies depending on the service provider and the type of cargo. However, express shipments take almost 4-6 hours, whereas regular cargo will get customs clearance within 1-2 business days. In case additional checks or papers are required, the shipments will be held for up to 5 days.
- Is it possible to track my cargo in real time?
Yes. You can track your cargo in real-time by using the AWB-based tracker as provided through the websites or applications of the airlines and logistics firms.
- In case of delayed pickups, is there a storage fee that the client must pay?
Yes. Usually, demurrage charges apply after your goods are stored for 72 hours of free storage.
- Name the prohibited items not to carry on the cargo.
Items such as weapons, counterfeit goods, narcotics, and certain chemicals are prohibited from being carried on the cargo. You can go through the complete list on the website of the Customs Department.
- How do the handlers handle the perishable goods at the Delhi Cargo Terminal?
Perishable goods get priority clearance because they are stored in cold rooms before being taken to the aircraft and dispatched.
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