Latest news with #PravatRanjanBeuria
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Work starts near VIP Road for bottom tier of three-layer airport transit system
1 2 3 Kolkata: Construction began on the two-level tunnel under VIP Road near Kolkata airport. The lower-level tunnel will cut across VIP Road to create a four-lane underpass connecting the Kolkata airport's operational area with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) plot to the west of VIP Road. Here, the sparsely inhabited AAI staff colony will give way to a cargo complex. The tunnel above will be used by metro trains heading into and out of the airport station on the New Garia-Kolkata airport Orange Line. Above the twin cross-directional tunnels is the current VIP Road alignment. "Piling work is underway to create the box tunnel with four lanes, two heading to the proposed cargo complex from the airport and two others heading in the reverse direction. Once the access ramp is constructed, concrete boxes will be pushed under the VIP Road to create the tunnels without disturbing the at-grade traffic on VIP Road," said an official of the contractor engaged in the tunnel construction. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), which is in charge of the construction of the Orange Line, was also handed the job to build the airport cargo area access tunnel by AAI. The airport operator already handed Rs 230 crore to RVNL for the work, which is slated to be completed by this year-end. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Thereafter, RVNL will construct the metro tunnel over the airport tunnel using the same technology. The metro line, which is elevated throughout the alignment, will move into a tunnel as it approaches the airport. The proposed underpass is situated just below the metro line that descends into the underground metro station at the airport. The airport's expansion across VIP Road was necessitated by the current constraints. Expansion of Kolkata airport beyond the existing boundary to the east of VIP Road is a challenge as it is severely land-locked, and the surrounding areas are thickly populated. So, using the land on the opposite side of VIP Road that currently houses the AAI colony is the only option. "We are constructing a 15m wide and 5.5m high, four-lane underpass to link the existing operational area of the airport to the proposed area across VIP Road," said airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria. Once the new cargo complex is operational, VIP Road will cut through the airport with passenger terminals and flight operations to its east and the cargo facility to west. The space vacated at the airport once the cargo facility shifts to new complex will be utilised to add more parking bays.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Airport logs into social media to address plaints
Kolkata: The city airport authorities have put in place a social media monitoring team that tracks complaints lodged by passengers on social media and tries to address the issues at the earliest. On Monday, a passenger flying out of the airport posted photographs of four littered and dirty corners of the facility. Within a few hours, the airport authorities responded by posting photos of the same areas in the comment section of the post after cleaning the spots. "Absolutely filthy experience at Kolkata airport. Food littered all over. Stinking, unhygienic toilets. Dirty corners and zero upkeep. This is supposed to be an international airport? Shocking standards," wrote an X user with @WalkingReDfLA while posting four images of the airport showing littered and dirty portions of the security hold area. Within a few hours, Kolkata airport authorities cleaned those spots and responded to the complaint by uploading new photographs of the same locations in the comment section of the original post. "Hi. Immediate action was taken based on your feedback and necessary cleaning was carried out. Thank you for bringing this to our attention," the airport authorities wrote. A similar issue was flagged by another flyer, Vikas Agarwal, on Thursday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AudioNova leder efter testpersoner i Noerre Aaby til at teste det usynlige høreapparat Audionova Lær mere Undo He posted a photograph of a littered section of the seating area in the SHA. Within two hours, airport authorities posted an image of cleaners at work in the area and another photograph of the same area after it was cleaned. Officials confirmed that the team actively monitors social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and Instagram, for complaints, feedback, and suggestions from passengers. The team is tasked with escalating urgent matters to operational units for immediate resolution. "This is part of our ongoing effort to make the airport cleaner, safer, and more passenger-friendly. We are committed to improving not just the physical infrastructure but also how we engage with passengers. Real-time social media monitoring allows us to intervene quickly when problems arise," ," said airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria. Passengers and advocacy groups have lauded the airport's action. "It shows the growing power of social media in pushing institutions towards greater transparency and efficiency. Finally, the authorities have realised social media is not just for updates and announcements, but also an active customer service and feedback tool. We are glad they are taking note of our complaints and are also giving proof of the action taken," said Sutirtha Basu, a frequent flyer.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Commandos storm coach, free ‘flyers' in anti-hijack drill
1 2 3 Kolkata: Commandos stormed an aircraft, overpowered two hijackers and freed 25 passengers and the crew in an hour-long operation at Kolkata airport. Although the hijacking of the flight from Raipur to Guwahati and the anti-hijacking operation was an enactment for a drill to check Kolkata airport's preparedness, the response was real. An ATC message at 10.30 am about a hijack on board Flight ABC of airline XYZ led to airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria convening the aerodrome committee meeting. While state home secretary Nandini Chakravorty joined in person, others who attended included officers from IB, NSG, Eastern Command and Fort William, CISF, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, and key AAI officials. Two-hundred people participated in the exercise. "Captained by a woman pilot, the plane landed at the airport at 10.45 am. It was taken to the isolation bay, where commandos surrounded it. A control room was activated, contact was established with the two hijackers, and negotiations commenced. Officials were outside to brief the media and take care of friends and relatives of passengers held hostage," said an official. An IndiGo passenger coach was used as a mock plane. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Even as the negotiation was underway, a passenger fell ill. The negotiator at the control room managed to convince the terrorists to release the passenger for medical treatment. Once they agreed, an ambulance moved in with commandos posing as medical staff and overpowered the two hijackers. After the passengers were freed, the operation was called off at 11.15 am. Sources said observers were strategically placed around the exercise site to check the response of various agencies to the emergency. A few deficiencies were also noted that will be addressed before the next exercise around six months later. "The simulated exercise was conducted at the airport to test and improve the response capabilities of various security agencies and stakeholders in case a plane is hijacked. The drill simulated real-world scenarios, allowing for the evaluation of response times, communication protocols, and tactical strategies. Measures taken during any eventuality of hijacking were deliberated in a subsequent meeting," an official said. A security agency officer said such drills helped familiarise participants with the SOP. "The drills facilitate better coordination and communication between different agencies, ensuring a unified response. The drill helps identify and address the weakness in the existing security measures. Regular drills contribute to a more robust and vigilant security system, enhancing the safety of flyers and airport staff," he said. The airfield environment management committee was also chaired by the state home secretary, in which multiple issues, including garbage clearance, threat of bird strikes, laser interference in aircraft cockpits, drone activities and drainage issues ahead of the monsoon, were discussed. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
Freedom from stench: New airport toilet blocks to make your journey a breeze
1 2 Kolkata: Following long-standing complaints from passengers about the poor quality of washrooms at Kolkata airport, a brand new set of modernised toilet blocks was inaugurated at the terminal building on Thursday. Equipped with the latest toiletries and contemporary design features, airport officials said the upgrade was a part of a planned infrastructure development programme to refurbish all the existing toilet blocks inside the airport. "Passengers have time and again flagged concerns and complaints about the quality of washrooms at the Kolkata airport. We took note of their complaints and are in the process of replacing all existing toilet blocks with new ones, which are set to last longer and have a fresh new look. All the new toilets will be built in the same design," said airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria. Beuria said the new set of toilets was inaugurated by a group of passengers as a symbolic gesture, as it comes in response to long-standing complaints over the subpar condition of washrooms at the airport. The airport has 28 toilet blocks. Of them, five blocks are brand new, and four more were already renovated. Six other blocks are under renovation, and the rest will also be renovated and refurbished by the end of this year, airport officials said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The new washrooms have a modern vanity area with rectangular sinks and motion-sensor taps. The mirrors are backlit with soft lighting, adding a sleek and upscale feel to the restroom. There are also recessed ceiling lights and LED accents in the ceiling design, giving a clean and bright ambiance. A decorative vertical garden panel has also been placed in the new toilet blocks with modern aesthetics and functionality in mind — neutral tones, ambient lighting, and smart fixtures. "The Rs 5-crore project comprises the demolition and reconstruction of existing toilets with new floor and wall tiles, sanitaryware, and fixtures. Basins made of acrylic solid surface that were installed earlier are being replaced by ceramic ones, as the former ones were stained by gutka and paan spits," said another airport official. Officials said housekeeping staffers were being trained and motivated to maintain the cleanliness of toilets to keep them stain and stink-free. "We are monitoring the functioning of the agency that has been contracted to do the housekeeping work. Action will be taken if maintenance is not up to the mark," said an official. Of the 80 individual toilets, 20 are on the arrival level and 60 in departure. This includes 28 washrooms each for men and women and 24 for the physically disabled.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kolkata airport aces service quality test, jumps 15 places on global list
Kolkata: In a significant stride towards regaining pre-pandemic glory, Kolkata airport has achieved its highest quarterly ranking since Covid-19 disrupted global travel. According to the latest Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey by the Airports Council International (ACI), the city airport soared from the 72nd position in the Oct-Dec 2024 quarter to the 57th place in Jan-March 2025. The improvement reflects favourable responses across key parameters, including ease of making connections with flights, walking distance inside the airport terminal, retail outlet standards, availability of charging stations and reduced queueing time at security and check-in counters. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The survey, however, showed passengers expressed dissatisfaction with several aspects, including the comfort and availability of seating in boarding gate areas, limited entertainment and leisure options, subpar WiFi service, and lingering issues with washroom hygiene. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The ASQ ranking, considered the gold standard for measuring airport service based on real-time passenger feedback, evaluated Kolkata airport across 31 parameters. With an impressive score of 4.92 out of 5, Kolkata outperformed the global average of 4.3, signalling a strong comeback and setting a new internal benchmark. Among the 16 Airports Authority of India (AAI)-operated airports included in the survey, Kolkata showed the most dramatic improvement, outshining its earlier post-pandemic best ranking of 64, achieved in early 2023. Only two Indian airports — Trichy (54) and Goa (56) — managed to edge out Kolkata in the latest global ratings. "We are proud to see the positive response from passengers. Their appreciation is truly meaningful to us. We're optimistic that these efforts will lead to even higher ratings. With this continued focus, we aim to further elevate the passenger experience and strengthen our standing in industry assessments," said airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria. The airport officials acknowledged the feedback and stressed that corrective actions were already underway. "New washrooms are being built, more seats are being added, and old carpets are being replaced with modern epoxy flooring to elevate the airport's look and feel," an airport spokesperson confirmed. "We're confident that these upgrades will reflect in even better ratings next quarter." The strong performance also aligns with the govt's goal of achieving a minimum ASQ score of 4.7, a target set for the 2019–20 fiscal year. Except for Port Blair and Coimbatore, all participating airports — including Kolkata — have now surpassed that benchmark.
