Ahmedabad : Amid the excitement of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) expanding its destinations, a brewing conflict between rickshaw drivers and a private security agency has led to increased passenger distress at the airport’s domestic terminal.
Instances of friction between rickshaw drivers and security personnel have escalated to the extent that the local police have been called nearly 60 times in the past few months to quell the skirmishes occurring at the airport’s arrival area.
The root cause of the conflict stems from rickshaw drivers’ persistent attempts to approach and pick up passengers, breaching security protocols and allegedly causing inconvenience to travelers. Rickshaw pullers often breach safety barriers and railings installed around the corridor leading out of the domestic airport, creating chaos as they try to offer rides to incoming passengers.
An airport security officer highlighted, “The situation has become untenable. Passengers are frequently accosted by rickshaw drivers the moment they step out of the terminal, leading to tense altercations between the drivers and security personnel.”
Adding to the passengers’ troubles, the corridor designed for exiting the arrival area spans a lengthy 700 to 800 meters without any breaks, compelling passengers to navigate around the railings, while rickshaw drivers impatiently jostle for business.
In defense, the rickshaw pullers expressed that the designated auto stand is quite distant from the passenger disembarkation area, leading to passengers’ reluctance to walk the distance. Drivers claim that they often have to pay a fee of 60 rupees to wait at the auto stand, yet, they receive an insufficient number of passengers, compelling them to breach the security area to solicit rides.
The illegal crowding and the forceful attempts to lure passengers by rickshaw drivers have become a safety concern at the Ahmedabad airport, especially as they occasionally resort to dragging passengers’ luggage against their will.
While the conflict between rickshaw drivers and security personnel continues to be a focal point of concern, SVPIA has announced new additions to its winter flight schedule, aimed at enhancing connectivity and offering diverse travel opportunities.
Among the new connections, Indigo’s expanded route now links Surat to Jaisalmer and Diu, enabling travelers to explore the historical richness of Jaisalmer and the scenic allure of the beaches in Diu.
Indigo’s reinitiation of operations in the Agra sector brings convenience to tourists and visitors aiming to witness the marvel of the Taj Mahal, a globally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, Alliance Air is broadening its schedule, including Indore as a destination with thrice-weekly direct flights, further strengthening regional connectivity.
As the airport confronts challenges amidst passenger inconvenience, the expansions in its flight schedule offer a silver lining for travelers seeking diverse travel experiences and better regional connectivity.
