TGPWU slams poor hygiene at Hyderabad’s RGIA airport canteen
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) strongly condemns the ongoing neglect of food quality and hygiene at the drivers’ and customers’ canteen at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad.
Despite repeated concerns, the situation remains unchanged. Lemon rice was served in a plastic cover, and a stone was found in the food. This incident raises serious concerns about food safety standards at one of India’s major international airports. Thousands of drivers and passengers rely on this canteen daily, and such lapses directly threaten their health and dignity.
TGPWU considers this a serious violation of basic food safety norms and workers’ rights, rather than a simple service issue. Ongoing disregard for hygiene and quality indicates systemic failure and lack of accountability by the responsible authorities.
Mr. @ppanicker1, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited.
Again at @RGIAHyd thousands of drivers and customers everyday food eat canteen — lemon rice was served in a plastic cover, and shockingly, a stone was found in the food. @TGPWU strongly condemns this negligence. pic.twitter.com/ju9mDWrEnd
— Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) March 26, 2026
We urge Pradeep Panicker, President and CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, to take immediate responsibility and implement corrective measures. We also request the intervention of Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, to ensure strict standards are enforced at all airport facilities.
We ask why RGIA Airport authorities have not adopted proven models such as Indiramma Canteens, which are run by Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These initiatives provide hygienic, affordable, and accountable food services, while also supporting women’s empowerment and community participation.
TGPWU demands immediate corrective action to address food safety violations, strict and regular quality inspections of the canteen, an overhaul of the current management system, and consideration of alternative models such as SHG-run Indiramma Canteens. The dignity, health, and safety of drivers and passengers must not be compromised. Authorities must act promptly to ensure safe, clean, and reliable food services at RGIA Airport added TGPWU.
“The issue is currently under investigation with the utmost seriousness and appropriate corrective measures are being undertaken to address it and prevent any recurrence. Appropriate and strict action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” said RGIA in an official statement.
RGIA authorities further added, “At RGIA, the health , hygiene, and overall well being of all our internal and external stakeholders remain our highest priority. We are committed to always maintaining the highest standards of safety and sanitation”.
