No parking at Thiruvananthapuram airport for differently-abled

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM; The Thiruvananthapuram airport can boast of many friendly features for the differently-abled, but the drivers of that category have a different story to tell over the  parking facility. The issue has gained prominence  in the wake of the insult suffered  by Paralympic champion Joby Mathew at Nedumbassery airport after his taxi was blocked by the security personnel for violating the one-way to collect him recently.

While specific areas have been marked for drop-off and pick-up of differently-abled passengers at the Thiruvananthapuram airport, no such parking area has been provided for vehicles driven by differently-abled persons. “Ideally, there should be reserved parking areas for such drivers close to the terminal building,” said a self-driving differently-abled person who goes to the airport often. Another issue faced by them  is tip for wheel- chair services.

“I have travelled through many international airports, but have only experienced this in Thiruvananthapuram,” he said. Airport director George Tharakan said that the  terminal offers  a host of features for the differently-abled, including Braille information on lift. Though space of drop-off and pick-up of vehicles of differently-abled passengers are also provided, no reserved parking space has been given, he added.