Go First investigating wheelchair incident involving elderly passenger at Bengaluru airport
Mumbai/ New Delhi, Oct 14: Go First is investigating the incident of a Kolkata-bound elderly passenger unable to get a wheelchair at the Bengaluru airport earlier this week, according to an airline executive.
The incident happened on Wednesday early morning soon after the passenger's son seated him on a wheelchair that was available at the airport. The wheelchair belonged to IndiGo.
However, IndiGo staff asked the elderly passenger and his son to return the wheelchair since it was already pre-booked for another IndiGo traveller, according to three executives in the know of the development.
Subsequently, the elderly passenger had to walk till the aircraft as he had not pre-booked a wheelchair. Also, there was no other wheelchair available at the airport at that time, as per one of the executives.
The elderly passenger, his wife and son were travelling to Kolkata as there was a family emergency. However, the son could not board the flight as he was late and the boarding gate had already closed by then, the executives said.
The Go First executive said the airline is investigating the incident.
An IndiGo spokesperson said, "We are aware of the incident concerning a passenger of another airline at Bengaluru Airport. We are working with other airlines and the airport operators to collaboratively address exigencies to ensure passengers requiring special care have a comfortable and seamless travel experience."
There was no comment from Bengaluru airport.
Requests for wheelchair are made at the time of booking air tickets and once that option is chosen, then a dedicated person is deputed by the airline concerned to help the passenger till boarding the aircraft.
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KPTCL sets target to complete Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): The KPTCL has set a target to complete the strategically important Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15, aiming to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, officials said on Wednesday.
The target has been fixed by the KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited) following the directions of State Energy Minister K J George, they said.
The project, located at Kadandale village in Moodbidri taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, had remained stalled for nearly three years due to land-related litigation affecting the 400 kV transmission line works, officials said.
However, the hurdles were successfully resolved through the sustained efforts of Energy Minister George and Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, they said.
Following the minister's directions, KPTCL Managing Director Ram Prasath Manohar visited the project site on Wednesday to review the progress of the works, according to an official statement.
"Mangaluru is one of Karnataka's key industrial hubs and requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. As directed by the Hon'ble Minister, we are working towards completing the project before the onset of the monsoon and commencing transmission operations at the earliest," Manohar said.
According to officials, the Kadandale 400 kV substation is expected to significantly strengthen the power infrastructure of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which are major industrial and commercial regions of the state.
Manohar said the project would provide a long-term solution to recurring monsoon-related voltage fluctuations and low-voltage issues in the coastal belt.
"The new substation will improve grid stability and ensure quality power supply to the region. In the event of a technical fault in any one station, load can be quickly diverted through this substation, enabling faster restoration of electricity supply," he explained.
To expedite completion of the project, KPTCL has planned to obtain line clearance on the existing 400 kV UPCL-Hebbanahalli transmission corridor between May 6 and May 24, 2026, the statement said.
During this period, alternative arrangements have been made to manage transmission loads and maintain supply based on demand conditions, it said.
However, officials stated that short-duration load shedding may become unavoidable under technically exigent situations.
"This project is crucial for the long-term energy security of Mangaluru and the coastal region. We request consumers and the public to extend their cooperation during this temporary operational phase," the KPTCL MD stated.
Minister George said that ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the benefit of the public and the industrial growth of the coastal region is one of the government's top priorities.
"Due to certain legal hurdles, the 400 kV transmission line work was delayed. The department has taken special initiative to resolve these obstacles. The Kadandale substation will ensure high-quality power supply for Mangaluru and Udupi regions," he said.
"The department continuously monitored the land-related disputes affecting the project and ensured timely resolution through coordinated intervention. KPTCL has been instructed to complete the works within the stipulated timeline and dedicate the project to public service at the earliest," Gupta stated.
