Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 09 May 2024
ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman, Mr. TSG Bhasker, has brought attention to the challenges faced by passengers traveling to Veer Savarkar International Airport. In a letter addressed to the Airport Director on Wednesday, Mr. Bhasker advocated for the lifting of restrictions on the entry of auto rickshaws into the airport premises.
Citing the demographics of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bhasker emphasized that a significant portion of the population belongs to the middle-class and lower-middle-class segments. For many residents, auto rickshaws serve as a vital mode of transportation due to their widespread availability and affordability.
In the letter, Mr. Bhasker highlighted the inconvenience caused to passengers, particularly senior citizens, by the current restriction on auto rickshaws. He pointed out that passengers are forced to disembark outside the airport gates and traverse a considerable distance to reach the terminal, often burdened with heavy luggage.
“To ensure hassle-free travel for passengers,” Mr. Bhasker stated, “it is imperative to permit auto rickshaws inside the airport premises, albeit restricted to dropping off departing passengers.”
Additionally, Mr. Bhasker proposed measures to regulate the flow of traffic within the airport. He suggested that auto rickshaws should promptly exit the premises after completing their service to passengers, thus ensuring efficient traffic management.
The plea from the ANTCC Campaign Committee comes in response to the pressing need to enhance the overall passenger experience at Veer Savarkar International Airport. The proposed measures aim to alleviate the challenges faced by travellers, particularly those belonging to economically disadvantaged groups, while also streamlining traffic operations within the airport vicinity.