Hyderabad citizens demand basic amenities, GST transparency at RGIA
Hyderabad: A citizen from Hyderabad has voiced serious concerns regarding the visitor ticket pricing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), claiming that the Rs. 125 ticket for visitors lacks basic facilities such as drinking water and restrooms, while also criticising the airport for not providing a GST number on the bill. Sai Teja, who brought the issue to light, labelled the practice a violation of the GST Act and called it a form of exploitation.
Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Sai Teja stated, “Charging Rs. 125 for the visitors’ gallery without offering basic amenities like water or restrooms is unreasonable. If visitors leave to use restrooms or get refreshments, they cannot re-enter with the same ticket.” He also said the importance of transparency in GST charges, saying, “According to the GST Act, customers should be informed of the GST number being charged. This lack of disclosure is a clear violation that could lead to penalties.”
Additionally, he referenced the 2016 Swachh Bharat Act, which mandates the provision of free drinking water at public establishments. “There is no water available at this airport for the visitor’s gallery, which is unacceptable,” he added. Sai Teja plans to file a complaint with the Cyberabad Police, the Ministry of Finance, the GST Council, and consumer rights organisations. He also intends to reach out to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Authority of India.
He took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his grievances, tagging the official handles of RGIA and other relevant authorities. In his post, he highlighted the lack of basic facilities and the improper GST charging, labelling it as a “big loot.”
@RGIAHyd @AAI_Official @MoCA_GoI @RamMNK @DGCAIndia loot in #Hyderabad Airport vistor ticket cost is 125/- but lack of basic facilities like Water also important thing is that they are charging #GST without mentioning #GSTNumber on Bill Big #loot #LootInHyd #RGIA @HiHyderabad pic.twitter.com/FUl7DfBOy5
— SAI TEJA (@ActivistTeja) October 16, 2024
In response to Sai Teja’s concerns, RGIA’s official handle acknowledged the issue, stating, “Hi, we’re concerned to know about this. We have highlighted this to our relevant team, who will check it out on priority.” However, Sai Teja remained skeptical, insisting that the airport should stop imposing GST without displaying the required number, labelling it a punishable offense.
Other citizens, such as Ajith Nair and Rajendra Tunuguntla, expressed similar frustrations, stating that the airport’s facilities are inadequate for the high charges being levied.
Not at all acceptable andi @RGIAHyd I think this was escalated before by passengers and visitors multiple times and we got the same response. You have been looking into it since then?
— AJITH NAIR (@ajithnairpk) October 17, 2024
Later, RGIA clarified that a “technical glitch” had temporarily prevented the GST number from being printed on some bills but confirmed that the issue has now been resolved. “All bills now include the GST number. We appreciate your understanding and regret any inconvenience caused,” they stated.
Hi, there was a technical glitch for some time that prevented the GST number from being printed on a few bill copies, but the issue has now been resolved, and all the bills include the GST number now. We appreciate your understanding and regret any inconvenience caused. pic.twitter.com/jrygluJCw8
— RGIA Hyderabad (@RGIAHyd) October 17, 2024
