Inline baggage system goes live at Amritsar airport
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar has commenced operations of its inline hold baggage handling system, a long-awaited upgrade aimed at simplifying the check-in process for passengers. The new system is especially beneficial for international travellers, elderly individuals, and families with heavy luggage, as it reduces manual handling and congestion.
In a joint statement, the FlyAmritsar Initiative (FAI) and the Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) welcomed the development and urged further passenger-centric reforms as the airport expands its ground and flight operations.
How the new system improves the departure experience
Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, explained that previously, departing passengers had to unload their baggage from trolleys near the check-in area for standalone X-ray screening. After screening, they had to reload the baggage onto trolleys and carry it to airline counters—a time-consuming and inconvenient process.
“With the inline hold baggage handling system now operational, passengers can proceed directly to airline check-in counters with their baggage,” Gumtala said. “Once accepted, the checked-in baggage will pass through the inline system for internal screening and sorting before being loaded onto the aircraft. This will reduce manual handling, save time, ease congestion and ensure a seamless departure experience.”
Long-pending demand finally addressed
Yogesh Kamra, convener (India) of the FlyAmritsar Initiative and general secretary of the Amritsar Vikas Manch, noted that the facility had been a long-pending demand repeatedly raised during his tenure as a member of the airport advisory committee. The airport has recently introduced several passenger-focused improvements, including DigiYatra, fast-track immigration facilities (FTI-TTP), the Udaan Yatri Café, a Flybrary (a small library space), new food outlets, upgraded Wi-Fi, and aesthetic enhancements along the airport approach road.
Further improvements demanded
However, the groups stressed that additional upgrades are needed to meet rising passenger expectations at Punjab’s leading international airport. They called for more security check counters during peak hours, expansion of terminal capacity, and improved customer service standards. They also emphasised proper implementation of the Green Channel system at Customs so that passengers—especially families and elderly travellers—are not required to undergo additional X-ray checks after baggage collection unless specifically required.
Additionally, they said airport authorities should improve pick-up and drop-off areas by creating multiple dedicated lanes under CCTV coverage, clearly marked slots near arrival and departure gates for passengers with reduced mobility, and a visible 24x7 manned assistance kiosk for wheelchair support.
Need for public transport connectivity
The organisations added that while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airport management are upgrading facilities, the Punjab Government must fulfil its long-pending responsibility of providing affordable public transport connectivity to the airport. “Dedicated bus services from major cities and districts of Punjab would be highly beneficial,” Kamra said.
