Now Reading: Biocon chief suggests Rs 5,000 fee for wheelchair misuse at airports
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Biocon chief suggests Rs 5,000 fee for wheelchair misuse at airports
Biocon chief suggests Rs 5,000 fee for wheelchair misuse at airports
A video showing apparent misuse of wheelchair services at airports on US-India routes has sparked outrage online, with Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw suggesting a Rs 5,000 fee per airport to deter those…
A video showing apparent misuse of wheelchair services at airports on US-India routes has sparked outrage online, with Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw suggesting a Rs 5,000 fee per airport to deter those exploiting the service. Shaw reposted the video and proposed the charge, instantly polarising opinion among users.
Supporters of the fee argue it would prevent a 'if it's free, why not' mentality, while critics call it elitist and say it could harm elderly travellers and those with invisible disabilities who need guidance or language support. Many families, especially NRIs, book wheelchairs for ageing parents to help with long walks and immigration lines, not necessarily for medical reasons.
Airlines globally, including Air India, encourage pre-booking wheelchair assistance to ensure availability, but rising demand has made it hard for staff to distinguish genuine medical needs from convenience requests, causing delays for those who truly need support.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The core issue here is not just about wheelchair abuse but a systemic gap in airport accessibility for elderly and less-mobile travellers. Indian airports, unlike many in the West, lack widespread moving walkways, clear signage in Indian languages, and dedicated assistance counters for non-disabled passengers who still need help. Air India and other carriers already face a shortage of trained ground staff, and a fee could reduce demand but also push genuine users into distress. The next step is whether the Ministry of Civil Aviation or the Airports Authority of India will study the feasibility of tiered assistance, free for medical need, paid for convenience, or mandate better infrastructure to reduce reliance on wheelchairs altogether. A formal consultation or pilot at a major hub like Delhi or Mumbai would be the concrete signal to watch.
Source: gulfnews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
