Written by Uthara Sunil Nair
The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru recently launched a mobility aid facility to facilitate the seamless transfer of passengers using wheelchairs to and from aircraft during boarding and deboarding, using a machine called ‘Mobility Assist’.
The Mobility Assist machine, the first of its kind in the country, is available on request during flight ticket bookings. It lifts passengers arriving in wheelchairs and transfers them to and from their wheelchairs during boarding and deboarding. The machine also enables wheelchair passengers to board and deplane from their airline seats.
The machine has been donated by Dr Ajaikumar, founder and executive chairman of Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG), to ease boarding and deboarding for passengers with reduced mobility, including children who need extra care.
The initiative at Bengaluru airport is the result of the personal experience of healthcare entrepreneur Dr B S Ajaikumar, whose late son, Adarsh, faced difficulties at airports as a wheelchair user. Adarsh suffered from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and often faced airport transfer challenges.
The machine reduces physical effort for passengers and staff and reduces injury risk by mechanically supporting wheelchair transfers.
“The contribution is deeply personal for us. During our travels, Adarsh endured great discomfort due to the lack of appropriate support equipment. Yet, he chose to turn that pain into purpose. The Mobility Assist represents his wish to help others like him travel with ease and comfort. We hope this becomes a model that airports across India can adopt,” Dr Ajaikukar said regarding the donation of the machine to the airport.
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“The introduction of Mobility Assist marks another step in our journey toward building an inclusive airport experience with thoughtful focus on those who rely on it the most,” said Hari Marar, CEO and MD of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL).