Kolkata: The city airport will have a brand new set of toilets by this Nov, replacing the current set that was put in place when the new terminal was inaugurated 12 years ago.
"The revamping of toilets is underway. There are 28 toilet blocks. Five blocks are new, four more were renovated and are new, six are under renovation. The rest will also be renovated. The project will be completed by Nov 30," Kolkata airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria assured TOI a day after flyers took to social media to post their displeasure about the condition of toilets at the airport.
The Rs 5-crore project comprises demolition and reconstruction of the existing toilets with new floor and wall tiles, sanitaryware, and fixtures. Basins made of acrylic solid surface that were installed earlier are being replaced by ceramic ones as the former ones got stained from gutka and paan spits. Passengers said the new washrooms look brighter, both due to the installation of more lights and the change in floor colour from deep grey to a lighter shade.
Officials said housekeeping staff was also being trained and motivated to maintain the cleanliness of toilets to keep them stain- and stink-free. "We are monitoring the functioning of the agency that was contracted to do the housekeeping work. Action will be taken if maintenance is not up to the mark," said an official.
Of the 80 individual toilets, 20 are in the arrival level and 60 in departure. This includes 28 washrooms each for men and women and 24 for the physically disabled.
In response to recent criticism, the airport shared photos of cleaning activities on X, stating: "Thank you for your feedback. Our housekeeping team works tirelessly to maintain a hygienic environment, though we acknowledge there's always room for improvement. We truly value input from our passengers and regret any inconvenience caused."
The airport also promoted its renovated facilities: "In our endeavour to provide best-in-class services to our passengers, newly renovated washrooms in the domestic security hold area of #KolkataAirport are now open. Also, we are upgrading all gate toilets in a phased manner."