Want relaxed air travel? Pet a puppy at Hyderabad Airport
Hyderabad (PTI): The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) here, don’t be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one.
The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a "Therapy Dog Program" aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs--Toy Poodles in this case-- can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA sources.
Currently, the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said.
"The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI.
While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said.
A passenger who did not want to be identified said, "I was so happy to see them."
"It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort."
Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger added.
Importantly, the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress triggers.
They are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours.
The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year.
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4 held for sexually assaulting woman, girl on moving bus after social media alert in UP's Agra
Agra (UP) (PTI): Four people were arrested, after a prompt response by police following a social media alert, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and a girl inside a moving bus here, officials said on Tuesday.
According to an official police statement, at 12:27 am on April 27, information was received on the social media platform X about an incident of sexual assault on a bus travelling from Kanpur to Ahmedabad, which was approaching Namner crossing in Agra.
Acting under the direction of Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the Agra Police social media team immediately alerted the Rakabganj police station within minutes and coordinated with the victims to confirm the incident and obtain the exact location, it stated.
Police teams launched intensive checking at Namner crossing and intercepted the bus as it reached the spot. The four accused involved in the incident were apprehended on the spot, and legal action was initiated against them, the statement said.
The police said the swift response and coordination between the social media team and field units ensured timely action, bringing relief to the victims and other passengers, who expressed gratitude towards the police, it added.
