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Ashwini Phadnis

``It is time that the voice of the air traveller is heard. I do not know the problems of the passengers", Mr Rudy said.

Udaipur , Sept. 30

THE next time you are going through security check at an Indian airport and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel expresses genuine concern about whether you are carrying enough warm clothes to face the harsh British winter, do not be too surprised.

This is part of an effort being initiated by the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy, to change the mind-set of those connected with the aviation sector so that the start of the journey becomes hassle-free and more pleasant.

While emphasising that no compromise would be made on security-related matters, the Minister was at pains to communicate to a large gathering of people connected with the sector on the need to provide the passenger what they want.

``It is time that the voice of the air traveller is heard. I do not know the problems of the passengers. The problems of all the other agencies connected with the sector seems to be getting addressed except those of the person who is paying for the service,'' the Minister said in anguish.

While conceding that procedures in the Government took time, Mr Rudy felt that it was time that the airline industry stopped blaming the Government alone for all the ills being faced by it.

Giving the example of Indian Airlines (IA), Mr Rudy said that the airline always blamed its losses on lack of aircraft, but added that there were more than 20 other parameters which were in the hands of the airline which could help it gain its prominence again.

``I agree that the aircraft they fly are old. Fleet acquisition is something, which the Government has to clear. But what about issues like ground services and food which is served on aircraft? All these are competitive areas where the industry must compete,'' Mr Rudy said.

Turning his attention to wastage in the system, Mr Rudy pointed out that though the Government had spent close to Rs 12 crore in acquiring the door frame metal detector (DFMD), they were not functional in a single airport in the country.

However, despite the hurdles which the passenger may face at present, the Government is keen to make air travel more passenger-friendly and in this context, the Minister talked about the various initiatives being taken including privatisation of Delhi and Mumbai airports.

So the next time you board a flight in India and are able to spend time in the airport catching up with last minute work at a hi-tech waiting area or get a compliment on the well-tailored suit you are wearing from the baggage loader, remember Mr Rudy.

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