Forty-five-year-old A Aruna has been staying at the Kolkata airport for over a month. Her work and home have now merged in 14-km stretch of the airport where she works round the clock as a member of the ground crew.
Aruna says she hasn’t returned to her family in a month as her home is located in Howrah, a red zone. Aruna says she chose to stay at her workplace as it was not possible for her to step out of her home. Aruna says it was more important to ensure that airport operations do not suffer at such a critical time.
“I drive almost a 100 kms every day as we have to check all parameters and monitor parking stands, runway and taxiway. Now that I am alone, it takes more time and I need to be more sincere,” Aruna tells India Today. As she interacts with her team, which manages field operations at the airport, on walkie talkie, the message is clear never give up.
Like Aruna, Abhay, Churcill, Bilal and Ajay help have also been working round the clock to manage field operations at the airport.
“This is new for us too. We have never seen such a situation before as movement of around 450-470 aircraft was usual for the airport. Initially, there was no movement but then gradually it increased as cargo, medicines and repatriation aircraft started operations. But our job is to maintain and monitor the runway, taxi-way, parking stands. Low staff strength has emerged as a challenge for us. For example, from 12-15 housekeeping staff members, the number has come down to 4-5.”
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