Travelers at Kolkata Airport can rejoice! The long-awaited paid porter service is finally making a comeback after being discontinued in 2019. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a tender for the service, and two agencies, one from Delhi and another from Mumbai, have stepped forward to provide this much-needed assistance. The reinstatement of the porter service has been in the works since January, but previous tenders failed to attract any bidders.
The new tender proposes an increased end-to-end porterage fee of Rs 500 per passenger, a significant jump from the previous Rs 300. This service aims to cater to a diverse range of passengers, particularly the elderly, families, and individuals who require assistance with their luggage. The porters will assist with transporting luggage to the check-in counter for departures and retrieving it from the baggage belt on arrival. They will also provide guidance and support for passengers with special needs, including assistance with boarding passes, immigration procedures, and finding their way around the airport.
The service was previously suspended due to concerns about scams involving individuals impersonating legitimate airport staff. To address these concerns, the new guidelines require the selected agency to use only the airport’s existing facilities and to not rent vehicles from outside. Passengers can book the service online or at the airport, and the agency’s staff will be equipped with trolleys to provide the necessary assistance.
The introduction of the paid porter service at Kolkata Airport aligns with similar services available at other airports across India. With the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) approval, the service provider will operate dedicated counters within the airport and ensure their staff are trained to handle passengers with varying needs. This welcome addition to the airport’s services is expected to provide convenience and peace of mind for travelers, particularly those who may struggle with heavy luggage or require extra assistance.
