Kolkata airport now offers real-time traffic, waterlogging alerts for passengers
What's the story
The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata has launched a traffic advisory service on its official X handle. The initiative aims to alert passengers about possible traffic jams or waterlogging on routes leading to the airport. An airport official said around 25,000-30,000 passengers reach the airport daily for flights, and another 5,000 people visit to drop off or pick up travelers.
Monitoring system
Traffic advisory service monitors travel times from key locations
The airport's IT team keeps track of travel times from five key locations: Ultadanga, Chingrighata Crossing, Salt Lake Sector-V, Barasat, and Howrah. The system compares normal travel time with current travel time using data similar to Google Maps. An alert is issued if a delay of 10% to 20% over the usual time is detected. This allows the passengers to choose alternative routes or leave home earlier.
Alert frequency
Alerts issued every 5 minutes on weekdays
On weekdays, alerts are issued every five minutes while on weekends, when traffic is lighter, the interval is slightly longer. The airport has also focused on political rallies and festive occasions like Durga Puja when VIP Road traffic is heavily impacted. This initiative aims to save thousands of passengers from missing flights due to delays caused by traffic congestion.
Fog warnings
Kolkata airport issues fog alerts for passengers
Apart from traffic alerts, the NSCBI Airport has also started issuing fog alerts to passengers. These alerts are issued when visibility is poor in Kolkata or when fog in north India delays flights to cities like Delhi and Amritsar. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updates before proceeding to the airport.