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Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: Welcome to walkaluru; a walkable city is not just a ‘nice-to-have' idea to be discussed in conferences, it's a basic need
It was a typical chilly Bengaluru summer morning in May 2005 as I welcomed 15 sceptical Bangaloreans on the first Victorian Bangalore Walk on M G Road. They walked for three hours on a road they all thought they knew, and the unfiltered joy of discovery they expressed all along the way (OMG, I didn't know that!) convinced me that I was on to something special here. Anniversaries are a time to reflect and that walk 20 years ago was a life-changing moment for me, and dare I say, for the concept of walking tours in my wonderful city. I had just quit my corporate job and decided to do a startup by becoming a walking tour guide full-time. This was seen as a lunatic idea, especially in a city like Bengaluru, where, as everyone knows, 'there is nothing to see' and 'where is the place to walk?' I had been running and walking the city's streets for years, and I always felt that the best way to explore a city is on foot. I was considered crazy then. Twenty years later, I see that there are multiple options for walking tours on varied themes (from heritage to food to nature to whatnot), and exploring on foot is not only going mainstream, but also acknowledged as perhaps the best way to experience the city. I couldn't be happier. We forget how our sleepy little town has changed in 20 years. The city's first mall (Forum) opened in 2004 (yes, that recently!) while ORR was still being built through the rural countryside of coconut plantations and ragi fields, with a few tech parks popping up on ancient lake beds (Manyata 2001, EGL 2004), and the city's first international air connection (Lufthansa from Frankfurt) suddenly making namma ooru the international gateway to 21st-century India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru And just like the city exploded and embraced global business practices and trends, I found there were lots of takers for my 7am weekend morning walks – from die-hard locals to recent immigrants to those who had just landed at 3am on their first-ever visit to India! And when the audience is global and diverse, the content and delivery standards need to be global, and I soon found myself becoming a cultural ambassador for my beloved city. It's not so much about hyperlocal stories like the best dosa in town, it's more about how Bengaluru rose to become a tech powerhouse and its role in shaping and being shaped by global events over the centuries. As Bengaluru became the showcase for a new India, the period from 2005–2010 was boomtime for software companies, hotels, and anyone hitching their wagon to the rising BLR star. And with the boom came the political and diplomatic visits, endless delegations of business visitors, and an entirely new set of people who wanted to understand India, in Bengaluru. And as there is 'nothing to see' in Bengaluru (no Taj Mahal, no elephants, no 'touristy' spots), the need for storytellers and quality curated city walks and tours skyrocketed. Being one of the few tour guides in town and being in the right city at the right time, I was fortunate to host the who's who of the global business world on my walk and got a ringside view of how my city welcomed and wowed those who came. And with it came the realisation that our entire tourism industry focused on keeping visitors 'inside' hotels, 'inside' cars and gated communities, and far away from the madding crowds and filthy broken footpaths. I was determined to change this – by literally walking the talk. No part of the city was offlimits, no delegation too VVIP to be made to walk the streets. Things have come a long way. During G-20, Bengaluru hosted more than 15 high-powered international delegations, and I worked extensively with the govt to design short walks and visits showcasing our city. And it is only when decision makers in govt step out of their cars and offices and go out and walk, and experience a city on foot, does the realisation dawn that a walkable city is not just a 'nice-to-have' idea to be discussed in conferences, it is a basic need of the city that can have huge second-order benefits. We have worked hard to make our tech parks 'world-class' and succeeded, and now that the world is here, how about making the public areas outside our tech parks walkable! Sounds like a crazy idea today, doesn't it, but stranger things have happened. On a visit to Europe, I found their cities highly walkable, and most of their cultural infrastructure – from walking tours to museums to tourist spots – are based on a foundation of excellent pedestrian infrastructure. I am convinced Bengaluru has the potential to become a walking city, given its wonderful weather and shade-giving tree-lined avenues, and I have been on a mission to prove that the city is walkable by curating walking tours all over the city. Last December, I conducted the inaugural BLRWalkFest in partnership with BBMP, BMRCL and BTP – a series of 15 themed walks over 15 days covering 100kms of the city's footpaths (10,000 steps per day). I aimed to showcase the various parts of the city and also get a focus on pedestrian infrastructure. And how Bengaluru responded! More than 1,500 citizens joined me over 100 km (more than one crore steps were cumulatively walked) and the walkers included senior govt officers and ward-level footpath maintenance teams. It was the ultimate celebration of the city's stories and its walkability, as well as a shared desire to explore the city and enjoy it. I spoke at a Mobility Symposium and arrogantly presented myself as the self-appointed 'Footpath Mayor of Bengaluru' (till someone else takes on that mantle!), and declared that I would walk the city's footpaths, one footpath at a time, telling its stories and rating the footpaths. Surprisingly, nobody seems to want this post (I keep offering it to anyone interested). Rather, I have received huge support from the govt and citizen groups who work to improve footpaths. Because let's face it – everyone wants better footpaths. And I am thrilled that walkability has moved from an afterthought to a focus area. Over the past two months, and most unexpectedly and happily, I have been leading footpath walks of the city with Maheshwar Rao, chief commissioner (BBMP) and his senior colleagues, all of whom are avid walkers, and we have covered some 50 km of footpaths over 15 walks, touching each zone of the city. And when officers and policymakers walk, change happens, as they get a first-hand view of the pedestrian infrastructure issues. I am an optimist and am confident that by December, I will be able to showcase far more than 100 km of walking trails on the city's footpaths. It's been a wonderful 20-year journey – from starting heritage walks as a new idea to a point where this activity can have an impact of making Bengaluru a Walkaluru! If you are wondering where you can walk in the city, trust me – this city has excellent walking routes and public spaces. You just need to get out of your homes and vehicles and go and discover them. Hint – go out before 7 am, when the weather is great and the twitter you experience is from actual birds.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Airline to refund ‘unaccompanied fee' to minors
1 2 Kolkata: Akasa Air offered a full refund of the Rs 5,000 they took from two sisters, aged 9 and 17, in cash as an "unaccompanied minor fee" at Kolkata airport on Wednesday. This followed a TOI report highlighting the trauma the kids and their mother experienced. While stressing that the staff followed all regulatory and internal standards, the airline stated they would review their "communication and handling protocols" to ensure such situations are managed better in the future. TOI reported on Saturday how a June 4 Kolkata-Ahmedabad flight QP 1926 turned into a nightmare for the sisters, Mahira (9) and Manyata (17), after airline ground staff asked them to pay Rs 5,000 in cash for the 'unaccompanied minor fees' for the nine-year-old girl or risk missing the flight. The airline staff demanded the money in cash, claiming the counter was closed and that no QR code could be generated. The kids finally managed to pool funds from their cousins travelling to separate destinations and pay up, after which they were allowed to board. "We would like to clarify that as per Indian aviation regulations, any passenger under the age of 12, travelling without an adult, is classified as an unaccompanied minor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo This is a safety requirement designed to ensure their well-being throughout the travel journey. The process involves mandatory assistance, documentation, and an unaccompanied minor fee, which is standard across the industry," an Akasa Air spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday. "While our staff followed all regulatory and internal standards, we will review our communication and handling protocols to ensure that we can manage such situations better in the future." Speaking to TOI, the sisters' aunt said on Saturday, an Akasa representative reached out to them and sent a detailed mail offering a refund. However, she urged the airline to understand the gravity of the emotional damage done and respond with the "seriousness and empathy it deserves." "Having lost their father just over a year ago, both children have been battling emotional instability and grief. Their recent journey—undertaken without their mother due to unavoidable circumstances—was a brave and necessary step. However, the insensitive and mishandled treatment by the staff left them shaken and emotionally scarred," said Pearl Choradia, the girls' aunt. "Since returning, Mahira has been unable to sleep for two nights, experiencing panic and fear. Manyata, already under emotional strain, now carries the added trauma of seeing her younger sister suffer and feeling helpless in the situation. What should have been a manageable flight has left them anxious, fearful of travel, and deeply unsettled. This was not just poor service—it was a failure in basic human sensitivity. " In the letter sent to the aunt, the airline extended apologies for the distress and confusion at the check-in counter while explaining that the fee was charged as per aviation industry practices. The Akasa representative, however, added that as a "gesture of goodwill," the airline would process a full refund of the Unaccompanied Minor service fee that was paid and requested the account details of the kids' mother, Shalini Dugar.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Time of India
Akasa Airlines asks sisters aged 17 and 9 to pay Rs 5,000 in cash, denies boarding until payment is made
A Kolkata-to-Ahmedabad flight turned distressing for two sisters, Mahira (9) and Manyata (17), when Akasa Airlines allegedly demanded ₹5,000 in cash at the check-in counter for the younger child's 'unaccompanied minor' fee. The airline staff refused to accept digital payment and said that 17-year-old Manyata could not be considered an adult to accompany her younger sister. The two were traveling to Ahmedabad to reunite with their mother, a TOI report stated. The airline insisted the payment be made in cash, stating the counter was closed and a QR code could not be generated for UPI. The girls, along with their cousins who were flying on a separate airline, finally managed to pool in funds to pay the amount and were allowed to board. The incident raised questions about the enforcement of unaccompanied minor policies, lack of clarity at the time of booking, and handling by airline staff. Airline did not accept UPI, said 17-year-old not an adult Mahira and Manyata were booked on Akasa flight QP 1926 to Ahmedabad. At the Kolkata airport, the ground staff told them that Mahira needed to pay ₹5,000 as an unaccompanied minor. Though their 17-year-old sister was with her, the airline refused to treat her as a legal adult. According to the girls' family, cousins aged 21—who were checking in on another airline—offered to pay via UPI. However, airline staff declined, saying cash was the only option as 'the counter was closed and no QR code could be generated.' 'They were simply told to pay or miss the flight,' said their mother, Shalini Dugar. 'There was no explanation, no breakdown of charges, and no receipt till the time my elder daughter insisted.' Live Events No prior fee notice during booking or earlier travel The girls were returning from a family vacation in Nepal and had taken a train from Siliguri to Kolkata. They had stayed overnight at their grandmother's house before heading to the airport. The family stated that during the earlier leg of their trip, from Ahmedabad to Bagdogra on April 26, no such fee had been imposed. 'At the time of booking, we were never told about the unaccompanied minor fee . In fact, kids above 12 years are shown as adults on the booking page,' said Pearl Choradia, the girls' aunt. 'When the kids said they didn't have cash, they were denied a boarding pass. The cousins, who had completed check-in, offered UPI, but the airline refused.' The children eventually collected the amount and paid in cash, after which Mahira was issued a boarding pass. Family alleges lack of documentation and verification Under Indian airline rules, children aged 5–12 traveling alone may be charged an unaccompanied minor fee. A form must be filled at the time of check-in, naming the adult who will receive the child at the destination. However, in this case, the family alleged that no form was provided and no ID verification was done at the Ahmedabad airport. 'We have no problem in paying the fee if it's legitimate and announced in advance at the time of booking. But we demand an explanation, apology, refund, and disciplinary action against the staff who caused emotional distress and trauma to my daughters,' said Shalini, who lost her husband a year and a half ago. Airline response awaited The family said the children had decided to travel without their mother due to personal circumstances. 'It was a decision born out of necessity and resilience. However, the traumatic experience they faced has left them deeply shaken,' said Choradia. As per the TOI report, Akasa Airlines has not yet responded to queries sent till Friday evening. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Time of India
Fork out 5,000 or miss flight, airline tells 9-year-old, 17-year-old sisters
1 2 Kolkata: A Kolkata-Ahmedabad flight turned into a nightmare for two sisters, Mahira (9) and Manyata (17), after airline ground staff asked them to pay Rs 5,000 in cash for the 'unaccompanied minor fees' for the nine-year-old girl or risk missing the flight. The airline claimed the 17-year-old couldn't qualify as an adult as she was yet to be 18. They were scheduled to board Akasa Airlines flight QP 1926 to Ahmedabad, where their mother awaited them. However, the journey took a traumatic turn at the airline's check-in counter. There were two cousins of the young girls who were flying on a separate airline but were checking in around the same time and had offered to pay the money through UPI. However, the airline staff demanded the money in cash, claiming the counter was closed and that no QR code could be generated. The kids finally managed to pool in funds and pay up, after which they were allowed to board. In India, some airlines charge an 'unaccompanied minor fee' for children aged between five and 12 years on the date of travel for certain assistance services from the airline crew. A parent or guardian is required to complete a signed 'unaccompanied minor form' at the point of check-in. The form must include the name and contact numbers of the parent or guardian (above the age of 18) who will meet the unaccompanied minor at the point of arrival. In this case, the family said no documentation or written policy was provided to support this claim. At the Ahmedabad airport, there was reportedly no ID verification of the receiving parent, further contradicting the rationale for the fee, the family alleged. TOI reached out to Akasa, who was yet to send a response till late on Friday. "They were simply told to pay or miss the flight," said the girls' mother, Shalini Dugar. "There was no explanation, no breakdown of charges, and no receipt till the time my elder daughter insisted." According to the family, the two, along with their cousins—both aged 21—were returning from a vacation in Nepal. They came to Kolkata by train and stayed at their grandmother's place for a night. They were to board the flight back home to Ahmedabad on Wednesday, where Shalini was supposed to pick them up. "At the time of booking, we were never told about the unaccompanied minor fee. In fact, kids above 12 years are shown as adults on the booking page. They previously flew to Bagdogra from Ahmedabad with the same airline on April 26, where no fee was sought. When the kids told them they didn't have additional money, they refused to issue a boarding pass. The cousins, who had finished check-in, intervened and attempted to resolve the issue by offering UPI payment. But the airline refused, claiming a QR code couldn't be generated," said Pearl Choradia, the girls' aunt. Under duress, the kids finally paid the money by pooling in funds, after which a boarding pass was issued for Mahira. "We have no problem in paying the fee if it's legitimate and announced in advance at the time of booking. But we demand an explanation, apology, refund, and disciplinary action against the staff who caused emotional distress and trauma to my daughters," said Shalini, who lost her husband a year and a half ago. Family members said because of the family circumstances, the children gathered the courage to travel without their mother. "It was a decision born out of necessity and resilience. However, the traumatic experience they faced has left them deeply shaken," Choradia added. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
