(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item appeared in the `Indian Express` dated April 19, 2002 captioned `Pray for passengers in God`s own country`;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;
(c) whether the passenger amenities at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport are not up to the mark; and
(d) if so, the remedial measures taken / proposed to be taken by the Government to improve the situation?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN )
(a):- Yes, Sir.
(b):- The news-item mentions some problems in Thiruvananthapuram airport, related to conveyor belts, bunching of flights, snack bar facilities, toilets, internet facilities, prepaid taxi counters etc. Many of the passenger facilities have been improved, and are upto the mark. Baggage delivery has been improved by provision of two long conveyor belts. A minimum of 40 minutes gap is provided between arrival or departure of two flights. Snack bar and internet facilities are available. The toilets are in good working condition. Passengers can hire a prepaid taxi from the counter which is managed by the State traffic police.
(c) and (d):- Improvement in passenger amenities is an ongoing process, and there are plans to expand international terminal with two aerobridges, commissioning of a new colour X-ray machines, renovation of toilets and provision of illuminated pictographs to improve signage.