Kolkata Airport to Install USB Charging Ports in Terminal Seats This Year
Kolkata Airport is embarking on a significant upgrade this year, replacing its aging three-seater chairs in the terminal building with modern versions equipped with built-in USB ports. This initiative is designed to allow flyers to conveniently charge their cell phones and other electronic devices while waiting for their flights.
Addressing Passenger Frustrations
The decision comes in direct response to a major complaint among travelers: the severe shortage of charging ports at the airport. This issue is particularly acute in the waiting areas near boarding gates and around the luggage retrieval belts in the arrival zone. Currently, the airport relies on island charging stations near every other boarding gate, but these units only accommodate three to four people at a time. This translates to roughly one charging port for every 100 passengers, forcing many to stand while their devices charge.
"We had initially planned to replace chairs that were damaged after 12 years of use, as the terminal became operational in March 2013," explained Kolkata Airport Director Vikram Singh. "However, after passengers consistently highlighted the charging problem, we decided to upgrade the chairs to include integrated charging ports."
Scope and Implementation of the Upgrade
The airport currently has 1,774 three-seater chairs, of which 954 are slated for replacement with the new USB-equipped models. The estimated cost for this comprehensive upgrade ranges between Rs 5 crore and Rs 6 crore. The bulk of these seats are located in the security hold area, primarily at the boarding gates, with additional chairs in the arrival area near baggage claim belts and lounges.
Airport officials have prioritized replacing chairs at the boarding gates first, ensuring that departing passengers can charge their devices before their flights. Seats in the arrival area will follow in the next phase of the project.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
One of the primary challenges facing the airport is providing electrical connections to the new seats. The airport's electrical team is actively working on solutions to route cables through ducts to the seating areas, ensuring a safe and efficient power supply to each chair.
"We are confident we will find a viable solution," assured Director Singh. "The new chairs with integrated charging ports will be installed and operational within this year."
Enhanced Passenger Experience
The new seating arrangement is expected to resolve two key issues simultaneously. Not only will it increase the number of available charging points—potentially offering one or two ports for every three seats—but it will also allow passengers to charge their devices comfortably while seated, eliminating the need to stand at crowded island stations.
Airport seating globally follows a standard design, featuring modular units of three connected seats separated by armrests. These units are arranged in parallel configurations to minimize face-to-face interactions between passengers, maintaining both comfort and privacy.
This upgrade represents a forward-thinking step by Kolkata Airport to enhance passenger convenience and modernize its facilities, aligning with the growing demand for accessible technology in travel hubs.
