By Staff Correspondent
Indian aviation authorities are taking extensive measures to combat airport congestion as the country prepares for the festive season, an issue that has previously plagued major airports during this period.
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has instructed airports in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, to rapidly identify and eliminate bottlenecks in an effort to adapt to increasing passenger demand.
Multi-Pronged Approach
According to a statement from the civil aviation ministry on Thursday (August 3), a range of initiatives has been introduced. These include increased deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and bolstering Bureau of Immigration (BoI) staff to facilitate a smooth passenger flow.
Moreover, enhancements have been made to the security infrastructure, including new X-ray machines and check-in counters at Delhi Airport. Social media platforms will provide real-time updates to passengers, allowing for more efficient airport transit.
Capacity Expansion In Delhi & Mumbai
Delhi’s Terminal 3 (T3) has been expanded with two additional entry gates, and 12 new X-ray machines are installed at the domestic and two at the international sections. Waiting Time Display screens have been installed, and 28 new check-in counters have been operational, with provisions for 14 more counters and a new self-baggage drop facility.
Also adapting to the anticipated surge in demand, Mumbai Airport has recently introduced two additional entry lanes and plans to add 14 more entry lanes and 12 e-gates by October 2023. In a move to accelerate the check-in process, 25 new Self Bag Drop (SBD) counters will be added by October 2023, with 20 more slated for March 2024. Seating capacities at domestic and international bus and contact gates will be increased by 500 seats each by October 23.
Assessing Preparedness
Scindia, taking immediate stock of the situation, visited Delhi Airport to assess the readiness of the new arrangements. His intervention underscores the critical importance of efficiently managing passenger flow during the festive season, a period of heightened travel activity across India.
Economic & Customer Experience Implications
The timely measures to tackle congestion reflect not only a response to past difficulties but also the government’s aim to maintain high customer satisfaction. Enhancing operational efficiency can further stimulate domestic travel during a crucial period for India’s economic recovery from the pandemic’s impact.
The innovative approaches to managing congestion also align with global industry practices, reflecting India’s commitment to maintaining international standards in its aviation industry. By taking proactive measures ahead of a high-demand period, the government demonstrates a clear strategy for tackling potential challenges in a sector critical to India’s economy and global connectivity.
