Ahead of the anticipated winter travel surge, Kolkata airport is rolling out a multi-pronged strategy to enhance passenger flow and significantly reduce waiting periods, particularly at security checkpoints. The initiative focuses heavily on accelerating baggage screening processes to ensure a smoother experience for all travelers.
Digital Boards to Replace Paper Notices
Airport authorities, in collaboration with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), are introducing electronic message boards at strategic locations, such as near check-in counters and before security check portals. These digital displays will clearly list restricted and prohibited items for both checked and cabin baggage.
Airport director Vikram Singh explained that this move is not just for aesthetic improvement over the current paper printouts but is designed to be far more effective. "The use of the electronic message board will also attract flyers' attention and be more effective," Singh stated. The boards will also be used to show seasonal reminders, like the need to pass winter jackets and coats through the X-ray machine.
Tackling the First-Time Flyer Challenge
A significant reason for implementing these measures is the high proportion of first-time travelers using the Kolkata airport. A CISF officer revealed that 30% of passengers in Kolkata are first-time flyers, many of whom are migrant laborers traveling for work. This often leads to a lack of awareness about baggage restrictions.
"The number of bags with restricted items is high," the officer said. "Displaying the restricted items prominently in multiple languages on an electronic board that is strategically positioned can help these passengers take corrective action before placing the bags on the X-ray machine belt." This proactive step is expected to prevent manual bag checks by CISF personnel, which currently disrupt the flow when a restricted item is spotted on the X-ray.
Additional Manpower and Carry-On Luggage Reminders
To manage the winter rush, the CISF is deploying additional personnel. Furthermore, the CISF wants airlines to utilize the new digital boards to remind passengers that they are permitted only one piece of carry-on luggage, with an exception for a separate laptop bag. This is crucial because data shows the average carry-on luggage per passenger at Kolkata airport is 1.7, which contributes to longer clearance times.
Despite these challenges, the current average time spent at security during peak hours is 10 minutes, which is notably lower than the 20-25 minutes experienced at Delhi's Terminal 3. The average frisking time per passenger at Kolkata airport remains between 15 to 30 seconds.
