Drivers allege unhygienic food at RGIA parking canteen
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) has sharply criticized the alarming lack of hygiene and food safety at the canteen near Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) parking area. This spot is a daily lifeline for app-based drivers, taxi drivers, and countless other transport workers.
Drivers have sounded the alarm again and again about the unsafe, unhygienic food at the canteen. They have found small dark beetles crawling in rice, grains, and flour, along with tiny white larvae, clear signs of severe contamination and dangerously poor food storage.
Because the food is so bad, many drivers have had vomiting, stomach infections, and serious stomach problems after eating at this place. Even though drivers and worker leaders have complained many times, airport officials have not fixed the problem, putting the health and safety of hundreds of workers in danger every day.
Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU, stated “Drivers working at the airport spend long hours waiting for trips and rely on nearby canteens for food. It is shocking that at an international airport like RGIA, workers are being forced to eat food that is contaminated and unsafe. This is not only negligence but also a serious public health concern.”
TGPWU has urged the Government of Telangana and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to intervene and resolve this issue promptly.
View this post on Instagram
The union has specifically requested the government to establish “Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens” at the airport, similar to affordable canteens in other parts of the state. These canteens would provide clean, affordable, and nutritious meals to drivers, gig workers, and airport staff who rely on low-cost food during long shifts.
TGPWU also called for an immediate inspection of the canteen near the RGIA parking area by the Food Safety Department, strict action against operators violating hygiene and food safety norms, and the establishment of government-supported Indira Mahila Shakti Canteens at the airport for drivers and workers.
“Thousands of drivers serving passengers at the airport deserve safe food, basic facilities, and dignity at their workplace. The government must act immediately,” added Shaik Salauddin.
The union warned that if immediate corrective action is not taken, it will escalate the issue through democratic protests and by approaching higher authorities.
Meanwhile, RGIA authorities through their official handle said, “We understand your concern and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We would like to inform you that the matter has been reviewed with the utmost seriousness. Please be reassured that necessary and appropriate corrective measures are being undertaken to address the issue effectively and prevent any recurrence”.
They further added, “We would like to emphasize that at RGIA, the health, hygiene, and overall well-being of ou passengers and staff remain our foremost priority. We are steadfast in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and sanitation at all times.”
