Kolkata Airport Addresses Long-Standing Passenger Inconvenience with New Washroom Block
In a significant development for air travelers, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata has inaugurated a new washroom facility on the Upper Arrival level, effectively resolving a design oversight that had persisted for over a decade. This much-needed addition promises to enhance passenger comfort immediately after deboarding.
Ending a 13-Year-Old Design Flaw
The newly opened washroom block, which commenced operations on Monday, marks the first of three such facilities planned for the Upper Arrival level. For the past 13 years, since the terminal's construction, arriving passengers faced considerable inconvenience due to the absence of washrooms near the aerobridges. Unlike most modern airports that provide restrooms adjacent to arrival gates, Kolkata's setup required travelers to traverse the entire length of the Upper Arrival area and descend to the Lower Arrival level, often navigating around luggage belts before finding relief.
This design oversight forced many, especially elderly passengers and those with urgent needs, into uncomfortable situations, particularly after long flights when airplane lavatories are closed for landing.
Immediate Relief for Travelers
The new facility, strategically located right where passengers enter the terminal from the aerobridge, features separate sections for men, women, and differently-abled individuals. This immediate accessibility eliminates the frantic dash that had become a common post-flight ritual for many.
Arvind Mehta, a frequent traveler from Ahmedabad, expressed his relief: "This facility was much needed and is extremely convenient. As soon as the pilot announces the landing, people start lining up for the plane's toilets. The crew often closes them 20 minutes before landing for safety. It is particularly difficult for elderly passengers to wait."
Echoing similar sentiments, frequent flyer Rashmi Jha shared: "After a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Delhi, those final 15 minutes felt incredibly long. Having a washroom right after deboarding makes the arrival experience much more comfortable."
Expansion Plans and Future Facilities
Airport authorities have confirmed that two additional washroom blocks are currently under construction on the same level, with completion expected by April. These upcoming facilities will serve passengers arriving through Gates 14 to 25, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all 11 arrival gates on the Upper Arrival Level.
The initiative represents a proactive step by airport management to address long-standing passenger grievances and improve overall travel experience. By rectifying this oversight, Kolkata airport aligns itself with international standards of passenger convenience and terminal design.
This infrastructure upgrade comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance facilities at one of India's key aviation hubs, demonstrating responsiveness to traveler feedback and commitment to improving service quality.
