Airports in India are planning to open shops dedicated to retailing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to travellers as coronavirus may become part of the ‘New Normal’, according to a special report by The Economic Times.
All major airports run by Airport Authority of India (AAI) contracts with private parties are gearing up to include PPE shops. The airports located in Agartala, Coimbatore, Pune, Amritsar and Patna have already started the process.
The products sold at these shops will be according to the specifications by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and will include face masks, gloves, coveralls, gowns, disposable goggles and sanitisers.
The stores will be located both at the check-in area of departure terminals and towards arrival terminals.
The PPE will be sold at affordable prices, as stressed by AAI, and a prominent rate list will be displayed outside the shop so that prices above the MRP are not charged.
The outlets are expected to start operations from June as travellers may now be required to wear PPE while flying.
The products being available at market price is an important aspect to make it more feasible for anybody who forgets to carry the equipment or for foreign travellers entering India.
All payment methods like MobiKwik, Paytm, Reliance-Jio Pay, Google Pay, Freecharge and UPI payments along with all valid debit/credit cards will be acceptable at these retail stores.