Restricted access for battery-operated vehicles at Veer Savarkar International Airport has prompted calls for immediate policy changes to make passenger mobility more inclusive. At present, electric and battery-operated vehicles are permitted only at the Departure Gate, leaving the Arrival Gate out of bounds for such transport options.
The rule has drawn concern from passengers who rely on these services the most. Senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, wheelchair users, pregnant women, and children with special needs are among those most affected by the current arrangement. For many of them, the inability to access battery-operated transport at the arrival point means walking long distances, relying on less suitable vehicles, or facing significant discomfort after travel.
A formal appeal submitted to the Airport Authority of India and the director of Veer Savarkar Airport on September 2 noted that the restriction undermines the accessibility standards expected of a major airport. By preventing battery-operated vehicles from serving the Arrival Gate, the policy denies vulnerable passengers the dignity, comfort, and ease of mobility that should be basic to modern transport hubs.
The call for revision emphasizes that a simple administrative decision could make a tangible difference in passenger experience. Allowing battery-operated vehicles at both gates would not require large-scale investment or infrastructure changes. Instead, it would involve a straightforward adjustment to existing rules, enabling smoother operations without compromising security or logistics.
Globally, airports have increasingly moved towards passenger-friendly practices, with mobility services for elderly and differently-abled travelers seen as essential rather than optional. India’s aviation policy framework also highlights accessibility as a priority, reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure. The absence of similar provisions at Veer Savarkar Airport places the facility behind national and international standards.
The concern is especially significant for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Veer Savarkar International Airport functions as the primary link between the archipelago and mainland India. Nearly all residents and visitors rely on the airport as their entry and exit point. As such, passenger experience at the facility directly affects perceptions of the islands’ infrastructure and hospitality. Limited access to electric vehicles at the arrival terminal risks leaving a poor impression, especially on tourists and first-time visitors.
Accessibility is not the only factor being highlighted. Environmental sustainability is another argument in favor of the policy change. Electric and battery-operated vehicles are seen as cleaner alternatives to conventional transport, reducing emissions and noise pollution in sensitive high-traffic areas. By restricting their movement, the airport inadvertently limits its own contribution to eco-friendly practices. Allowing greater use of these vehicles could align the facility with broader sustainability goals while also improving passenger welfare.
The current system reflects a lack of alignment between operational rules and real-world passenger needs. While departure access for battery-operated vehicles is useful, the absence of similar access at the arrival end leaves a clear gap. For passengers arriving after long journeys, the availability of convenient transport is just as important as it is during departure.
The appeal called upon the Airport Authority of India to act urgently, framing the issue as one of inclusivity, sustainability, and passenger welfare. It suggested that ensuring such access would not only modernize operations but also signal a humane approach to airport management.
The concerns were formally communicated by the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, which requested that battery-operated vehicles be permitted at both gates. The committee stressed that the change would reflect the administration’s commitment to meeting the needs of vulnerable groups while keeping pace with international best practices.
For an airport that serves as the lifeline of the islands, even seemingly small policy shifts can carry significant weight. Expanding EV access to the Arrival Gate would demonstrate readiness to embrace inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring that Veer Savarkar International Airport evolves into a transport hub that reflects the values of accessibility and modern service.
