Kolkata: Kolkata Airport has launched a traffic advisory service to alert flyers whenever there is traffic congestion or waterlogging impeding the travel approach to the airport.
The service provided the estimated time of arrival (ETA) by comparing normal commute times with the actual durations.
The airport IT team monitored travel times to the airport from five locations. These are Ultadanga, Chingrighata crossing, Salt Lake Sector V, Barasat and Howrah.
They posted both the usual journey time and the time under current traffic conditions.
In case the Google Map indicates any abnormality in the commuters’ time, the team puts an alert on the NSCBI Airport X handle.
This alert will benefit around 25,000-30,000 flyers who travel to the airport daily. Another 5000 travel there to receive friends and relatives arriving in Kolkata.
Whenever there is an indication that it may take 10-20 per cent more time than usual, the alert makes flyers aware so that they can choose an alternative route or start for the airport earlier than usual.
This alert check occurs every five minutes on weekdays and at longer intervals on weekends, when traffic volume is lower.
The service is useful during the monsoon season when there is waterlogging. It also took into account congestion caused by major political events or the Durga Puja crowd.
The real-time alert supplements travel advisories during peak hours and adverse weather conditions. Accordingly, the airport advised flyers to check their flight status online or through their airline apps for potential delays.
In addition, Kolkata airport has started a fog alert to passengers not only when visibility is poor in Kolkata, but also when fog in North India delays departures of flights to Delhi and other North Indian cities.
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