Lack of trolleys at Amritsar airport irks flyers

Local activists and air passengers have raised concerns over the lack of basic passenger amenities at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, particularly the non-availability of baggage trolleys and wheelchair assistance at the departure terminal. The issue was highlighted following the recent experience of Sameep Singh Gumtala, Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, who recently departed from the airport on a flight to Dubai.

Gumtala said he arrived at around 6.45 am for his flight with a family member and found no trolleys available near the departure entrance. The two had to carry three bags for check-in, two carry-ons, and a laptop bag into the terminal without any assistance. “It was shocking to see passengers walking all the way to the arrival terminal side just to find a trolley or dragging multiple luggage. There were no signs, no staff and no clear instructions regarding where to find trolleys or wheel chairs at the departure terminal. We expect better from an international airport where crores are spent on infrastructure and passengers are charged fees, yet the basic needs, including Wi-Fi internet, are being ignored,” said Gumtala.

Gumtala stressed the need for a dedicated, clearly marked, trolley pickup zone near the departure entry gate, along with staff assigned to manage and refill them. “If needed, install automated paid systems, this would prevent misuse and ensure trolleys are available when truly needed.” He also highlighted a more concerning issue affecting elderly and disabled passengers, the lack of visible wheelchair assistance booths or designated help points on the departure terminal side.

“Physically challenged passengers arriving at the departure side struggle to find help. In some cases, the porters or helpers who do appear demand excessive money from passengers, taking advantage of their vulnerability,” Gumtala added.

Jass Singh, a regular international traveller from Amritsar, said, “It is unfortunate that such basic shortcomings continue to trouble international travellers, especially when flying out of their home city,” Jass Singh stated.

Office-bearers of the FlyAmritsar Initiative and the Amritsar Vikas Manch said during some past meetings with airport officials, the matter had been raised multiple times. The officials assured that trolleys were being procured, but what use are these trolleys if they are not managed properly during the peak hours. The organisations are formally appealing to the Airports Authority of India and Amritsar Airport Director SK Kapahi to take immediate and concrete steps to resolve these issues.

Amritsar