Tourist Vehicle Owner’s Association Increase Considerations Over Some Points at New Integrated Terminal of  Veer Savarkar International Airport

Tarun Karthick

Port Blair, 25 August 2023

The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair is dealing with criticism from native vacationer cab operators who’ve expressed grievances associated to service requirements and provisions for each passengers and drivers on the airport’s new terminal constructing.

In a proper letter addressed to the Airport Director, Mr. Okay. Siva Kumar, the General Secretary of the Tourist Vehicle Owner’s Association (TVOA), highlighted a number of key points affecting the operations and providers offered on the airport.

One of the first issues raised within the letter is the absence of a devoted authorities pre-paid taxi/cab counter inside the new terminal constructing. In distinction to the earlier terminal, which housed a government-run vacationer info counter, the brand new facility has opted for a desk and chair system on the exit of the arrivals space. This setup has been met with disappointment amongst operators, who imagine it not solely damages the airport’s picture but additionally negatively impacts the passenger expertise.

Furthermore, the letter emphasises the shortage of important facilities, resembling moveable ingesting water provisions for passengers and drivers, a useful restroom facility with working water, and a chosen driver ready space close to the parking premises. However, the Airport Management has now made ingesting water association close to the parking. The rest room close to the parking was additionally being made operational. 

Another concern raised pertains to the absence of passenger and vacationer reception at arrivals, making it inconvenient for these awaiting arriving kinfolk or vacationers. The airport administration has verbally ordered operators to steer clear of the arrivals space, thus denying them the best to obtain passengers instantly.

The operators argue that the current association, which requires drivers to attend on the parking space for arriving passengers, is especially problematic throughout hostile climate situations, resembling heavy rain or intense daylight, making it difficult for aged or differently-abled passengers and people with heavy baggage to entry their autos.

Additionally, the operators counsel the necessity for a 3rd lane designated because the arrival pickup level, particularly catering to the wants of older passengers, minors, and people with substantial baggage.

Furthermore, the absence of a transparent customary working process (SOP) for car parking and driver ready provisions has created confusion, with airport employees often issuing verbal orders with out a systematic framework in place.

In conclusion, Mr. Okay. Siva Kumar, representing the TVOA, hopes that the airport authorities will take fast cognisance of those issues and make obligatory amendments and provisions within the curiosity of taxi/cab operators, passengers, vacationers, native commuters, and to uphold and improve the requirements of the Veer Savarkar International Airport.