PIL against Airport Authority for poor Ahmedabad facility

Senior counsel of Gujarat high court, Bhaskar Tanna, has issued notices to Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel and Chief Minister Narendra Modi, about the pitiable conditions for travelers at Sardar Patel International Airport.

Tanna, in the notice says, though there were eight immigration counters, only four were operational late in the night which resulted in waiting for the passengers who had been traveling at a stretch for over 26 to 36 hours. Instead of four, there should be 20 counters with dedicated staff. Generally, the staff on duty are sent on deputation and hence they are not bothered about performing their duties. As one tried to enter the main area of the airport, there was a queue of about 200 to 300 passengers waiting to get immigration clearance. Such queues are not even seen in underdeveloped countries. Gujarat, which claims to be growing, cannot tolerate this. It sends wrong signals among the foreigners coming to the state. There are just two conveyor belts at the airport and only one of them is functional. Any passenger would have to wait for over an hour before getting his baggage and several times it turns up damaged. The passengers are transported in buses which are overused and non air-conditioned. Even when aero-bridges are empty, the passengers are made to get down mid way and then transported to the airport bulding in these buses.

Tanna in his notice further states that he was forced to take up the issue when several co-passengers requested him. He further said that if government or Airport Authority of India (AAI) failed to take any action, he would be forced to file a public interest litigation in Gujarat high court seeking directions.