What makes Hyderabad's airport among the most disabled-friendly in India?

A few days ago, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport introduced a wheelchair lift to benefit senior citizens and the physically challenged. By introducing the verti-lift, Telangana has become the first state to have a disabled- friendly airport.

With the lift in place, passengers with reduced mobility can move from the gate to the baggage claim area in a matter of two minutes, thereby reducing the wait time at elevators. According to Telangana Today, SGK Kishore, CEO of GGMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., said,

“We are happy to be the first airport in India to introduce a verti-lift to serve our passengers. The verti-lift is our latest effort as part of this programme which is also in line with the government’s ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’ initiative.”

Before the introduction of the wheelchair lift, wheelchair-bound passengers travelling in aircraft with no docks at aerobridges faced difficulties while reclaiming their luggage. Although there were elevators to help them enter the terminal building and the airline staff used to escort them to the baggage claim area, it was a time-consuming process.

According to Deccan Herald, the wheelchair lift, which comes as part of the 'Accessible India' campaign, is in compliance with safety norms.

This infrastructural addition is also part of Hyderabad airport's flagship programme, 'Passenger is Prime', which was launched in August 2017. Other facilities provided under the programme include curbside parking at forecourt and intercom-calling facilities at both arrival and departure ramps.

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