Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 August 2023
The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is facing criticism from local tourist cab operators who have expressed grievances related to service standards and provisions for both passengers and drivers at the airport’s new terminal building.
In a formal letter addressed to the Airport Director, Mr. K. Siva Kumar, the General Secretary of the Tourist Vehicle Owner’s Association (TVOA), highlighted several key issues affecting the operations and services provided at the airport.
One of the primary concerns raised in the letter is the absence of a dedicated government pre-paid taxi/cab counter within the new terminal building. In contrast to the previous terminal, which housed a government-run tourist information counter, the new facility has opted for a table and chair system at the exit of the arrivals area. This setup has been met with disappointment among operators, who believe it not only damages the airport’s image but also negatively impacts the passenger experience.
Furthermore, the letter emphasises the lack of essential amenities, such as portable drinking water provisions for passengers and drivers, a functional restroom facility with running water, and a designated driver waiting area near the parking premises. However, the Airport Management has now made drinking water arrangement near the parking. The toilet near the parking was also being made operational.
Another concern raised pertains to the absence of passenger and tourist reception at arrivals, making it inconvenient for those awaiting arriving relatives or tourists. The airport management has verbally ordered operators to keep away from the arrivals area, thus denying them the right to receive passengers directly.
The operators argue that the present arrangement, which requires drivers to wait at the parking area for arriving passengers, is particularly problematic during adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or intense sunlight, making it challenging for elderly or differently-abled passengers and those with heavy luggage to access their vehicles.
Additionally, the operators suggest the need for a third lane designated as the arrival pickup point, especially catering to the needs of older passengers, minors, and those with substantial baggage.
Furthermore, the absence of a clear standard operating procedure (SOP) for vehicle parking and driver waiting provisions has created confusion, with airport staff occasionally issuing verbal orders without a systematic framework in place.
In conclusion, Mr. K. Siva Kumar, representing the TVOA, hopes that the airport authorities will take immediate cognisance of these concerns and make necessary amendments and provisions in the interest of taxi/cab operators, passengers, tourists, local commuters, and to uphold and enhance the standards of the Veer Savarkar International Airport.