Amritsar is among the most preferred tourist places where people from not only other parts of India but also from abroad land to visit the holy Sri Harmandir Sahib and many other places. Amritsar Airport which is named Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport acts as the first example of how much the city has developed.
However, passengers or travellers have complained that the infrastructure of Amritsar Airport has not been maintained properly and they often have to face problems inside the Airport due to frequent rushes. Also, passengers have raised concerns about travellers hygiene as out-gate washrooms are also not in good condition.
'Amritsar Airport infrastructure needs to be improved'
A passenger talking to True Scoop said, "Facilities are fine but it still needs improvement. For example, infrastructure needs to be improved. People from abroad come here, therefore, washrooms should be more high-tech.
If a foreigner is coming here, a reception desk should be here that can help and guide them regarding Taxis, hotels, etc. I have noticed one thing, when we enter the airport the in-gate washrooms are really good. But, washrooms at out-gate is not very good. Suppose if someone from outside (abroad or different state) is coming, then those washrooms should also be good. If you ask me to rate Amritsar Airport, I will rate it 6 out of 10."
'Will raise Amritsar Airport issue with Union Aviation Minister'
Chairperson of the National Minorities Commission, Iqbal Singh Lalpura while talking to True Scoop said, "I too travel a lot and hence, I will raise the issue with Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan. Since, Amritsar is a holy city and is a religious tourism hub of Punjab, mismanagement at Amritsar Airport is not acceptable."
Former Jalandhar MP & BJP leader Sushil Rinku also said that he will raise the issue of Amritsar Airport infrastructure with the Union Aviation Minister. Rinku said, " People of Jalandhar also travel from Amritsar Airport and they have faced similar problems. Hence, he will discuss this with Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan."
Although Adampur Airport is in operation, flight services are still limited. Hence, Amritsar Airport becomes the perfect option for people to board the flight, especially when highways continue to remain blocked due to farmers' protests.
What did the Amritsar Airport Director say about infrastructure and other complaints?
True Scoop reached out to S. K. Kapahi, Airport Director, Airports Authority of India Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport Amritsar, and asked about the problems outlined by the travellers. On cleanliness, S. K. Kapahi said that the Airport gets cleaned frequently and cleanliness staff are available 24*7 (every time).
On being asked about the poor quality and unhygienic condition of outgate washrooms, S. K. Kapahi said, "The outgate washrooms have been shut down temporarily. Construction work is going on."
Talking about too much rush at the airport, S.K. Kapahi said, "Rush at the airport is good for us. It is not like there is a rush every time. Sometimes multiple flight departures take place at the same time, therefore gathering of passengers increase."
True Scoop asked S.K.Kapahi whether the Airport Authority is planning to expand Amritsar Aiport to avoid excessive rush inside the airport. The Airport Director said, "It is in our pipeline. Flights are also increasing as compared to earlier days. It is possible that the area can be expanded. We will sit and have a discussion over this."
As per directflights report, Amritsar Airport is a small to medium size airport in India. There are on average 33 passenger flights scheduled for daily take off from Amritsar to 23 non-stop destinations in 8 countries.
Since the rush becomes too much sometimes, True Scoop asked why is it not fine to divert some flights to nearby airports. S.K. Kapahi said, "There are some direct flights from Amritsar. If we direct flights to nearby airports, passengers have to travel there (eg Delhi or Chandigarh) and from there they will have to board the flight."
Notably, Amritsar Airport is reportedly spread across 40,175 square meters in area, on the other hand, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is spread across several square meters, including Terminal 1 spread over 206,950 square meter, terminal 3 spread over 111,600 square meter, etc.
Furthermore, it is unusual, that Amritsar Airport has no facility of Digi Yatra. For those who are unaware, Digi Yatra is a digital initiative that uses facial recognition to help passengers pass through security and check-in. Digi Yatra has a separate counter at many airports in India and it greatly helps passengers to beat the long queue at the airport.
Not only this, but Delhi Airport uses AI-powered camera systems to count people in queues and predict wait times. At Terminal 3 (T3), DIAL has implemented a camera-based solution from Swiss manufacturer Xovis. The airport plans to use these systems across terminals to improve operations. However, Amritsar Airport does not have this type of AI-powered CCTV that can smoothen the services at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport.