Selfie frenzy with PM Modi cutout marks Passenger Service Day at Kolkata airport
Hundreds of passengers at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport jostled for space Wednesday to snap selfies with a life-size cutout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an attraction coinciding with the prime minister’s 75th birthday. The rush was so overwhelming that airport authorities created three dedicated selfie zones across the terminal — at domestic arrivals, international arrivals and the security hold area. By noon, more than 500 passengers had posed with the cutouts, airport officials said. The celebration was part of Yatri Seva Diwas, or Passenger Service Day, observed across airports run by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The annual event focuses on improving passenger experience with a range of complimentary services. “This year’s participation was remarkable,” said P. R. Beuria, director of NSCBI Airport. “Passengers availed themselves of free health check-ups, including blood pressure, blood sugar, ECG and eye tests. More than 200 people underwent free eye examinations alone.” Children traveling with families were not left out. Drawing contests and extempore speech competitions were held inside the terminal, with prizes distributed to all participants. “We are overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response,” Beuria said. In another initiative, elderly travelers and members of India’s Milly Tree Plantation group joined hands to plant saplings in the airport’s arrival garden, adding a green touch to the occasion. Senior AAI officials, including Chairman Capt. S. K. Mallick and the Executive Director (Security), reviewed the day’s proceedings alongside Beuria. Mallick said Yatri Seva Diwas offered an opportunity to reinforce AAI’s commitment to passenger-centric services. “It is a moment to showcase our efforts in delivering safe, secure and world-class services,” he told the gathering. For many passengers, however, the highlight remained the chance to take home a photo beside Modi’s smiling image. The selfie zones stayed crowded through the day, symbolizing both celebration and spectacle. Meanwhile, NSCBI Airport is preparing for another milestone on Thursday. Star Airlines will launch its maiden service between Kolkata and Purnia, with the inaugural flight scheduled to take off at 8:45 a.m. The aircraft will first land at Purnia before proceeding to Ahmedabad. Beuria will formally inaugurate the route, which officials expect will boost connectivity between eastern and western India.
