On I Day, revamped airport toilets give flyers freedom from stench
Times of India | 17 August 2024
Kolkata: On Independence Day, a section of flyers finally experienced freedom from stink and stain at Kolkata airport with the airport operator inviting passengers to inaugurate nine washrooms in the facility that had been completely refurbished. The remaining washrooms will be overhauled within the next year to address one of the biggest peeve points of passengers at Kolkata airport.
The stench at the airport washrooms has repeatedly figured in complaints posted by flyers on social media sites and has pulled the airport’s ratings down in global customer satisfaction surveys that are periodically carried out.Cosmetic changes that were carried out by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) failed to address the issue and led to the decision of completely overhauling the toilets and building them afresh.
Speaking to TOI, Kolkata airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria said in the new washrooms the tiles, sanitary ware, fitting and fixtures had been changed so that flyers had access to brand new toilets. “There are 80 washrooms at Kolkata airport and all of them are 11 years old. With 55,000-60,000 flyers using the airport daily, the change was overdue. Now that we have changed the first set of washrooms, we believe flyers will experience the difference,” said Beuria.
The airport will be spending Rs 5 crore to redo the toilets for men, women and individuals with special needs. Fitted with new wash basins, commodes, urinals and stalls, the toilets have made a positive impact. But flyers expressed concern about the upkeep of the facility.
“Kolkata airport has done a good job with the refurbished toilets. Stepping into one felt good as it was devoid of stench. But I hope it is properly maintained,” said advertising executive Romit Sen.
Keen on ensuring proper upkeep, Kolkata airport has decided to directly purchase industrial grade cleaning agents and stain removers before handing it to the agency engaged to maintain the toilets. Sources said the move would ensure that poor quality materials were not used for deep cleaning of the facility. The authorities have also undertaken refresher courses for the housekeeping agency and stringent monitoring protocol.