In a significant move to tackle persistent hygiene issues, Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has rolled out an intensive deep-cleaning strategy for its restrooms. This initiative coincides with the near-completion of a major renovation project for all toilet blocks in the integrated terminal. The primary goal is to ensure the newly refurbished facilities retain their cleanliness and sparkle for the next six to seven years, preventing the rapid deterioration into stained and unpleasant spaces seen in the past.
The New Deep-Cleaning Protocol
Airport Director Vikram Singh detailed the new regimen, explaining that one toilet complex will undergo a thorough deep-clean every single day. This systematic approach means each restroom will receive this intensive treatment approximately once every three months. "This is in addition to the regular cleaning activity that is carried out 24×7," Singh emphasized. The decision follows an extensive case study focused on a specific toilet complex, labeled S 12, located in the airport's security hold area.
Despite being fitted with new sanitaryware just five years ago, the S 12 toilets had lost their original sheen. To investigate the root cause of this rapid decline, airport authorities called upon leading sanitaryware providers Kohler and Jaquar. The companies were invited to demonstrate proper maintenance techniques to prevent staining and loss of lustre. Their successful demonstrations revealed a critical insight. "What we learnt is that while their chemicals are effective, the use of other chemicals, even industrial grade, is not so," Singh stated. Consequently, the airport has switched to the recommended specialized chemicals and committed to more frequent deep-cleaning cycles.
Addressing Odour and Passenger Skepticism
While the deep-cleaning drive aims to solve visual problems, airport officials are also actively working on the long-standing issue of unpleasant odours in the toilets. Passengers have consistently complained about the lack of a fresh smell, with the typical restroom odour lingering in the air. "We are working on the odour issue as well and will soon come up with a solution," assured the airport director. The renovation work itself is largely finished, with 21 out of 23 toilet blocks already upgraded. Each block includes separate facilities for male and female passengers, as well as a dedicated restroom for disabled individuals.
Despite these infrastructural and procedural upgrades, many frequent flyers remain unconvinced. They point to a perceived poor work culture among cleaning staff as the core problem. Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, a resident of Sarat Chatterjee Street, contrasted his experiences, noting that janitors at other airports are constantly seen cleaning, while at Kolkata, they are often idle or absent. Another passenger, Subhra Duttagupta, took to social media platform X to share photographs of two clogged urinals, criticizing the frequent lapses in maintenance at an international airport and urging the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to enforce stronger cleanliness measures.
The Road Ahead for Airport Hygiene
The Kolkata airport's new two-pronged approach—combining upgraded infrastructure with a scientifically-backed cleaning protocol—represents a formal acknowledgment of passenger grievances. The success of this initiative now hinges on effective execution and consistent supervision. The authorities hope that the combination of new fixtures, correct cleaning agents, and a disciplined deep-cleaning schedule will transform the passenger experience and elevate the airport's standards of hygiene for years to come.
