IMS Group Addresses the safety concerns at TIA new Arrival Hall

Feb 1 2023 ,Kathmandu – The Management of IMS Group would like to address the recent incident with the travelator at the airport arrival hall managed by IMS Airport Services Pvt. ltd.

First and foremost, we assure the general public that the safety of all travelers is our top priority. Our focus while building the new arrival hall was to provide premium service to incoming Nepali citizens and international passengers along with better facilities and larger parking space. The travelator was built in the second phase to decrease traffic congestion at the elevator area.

This project was a government tender under the Build, Operate, Own, Transfer (BOOT) model to manage the congested airport arrival parking issue and also improve the overall arrival process after customs area, for 30 years lease, fully funded by IMS Airport Services in partnership with Rasuwa construction, one of the largest construction companies in Nepal with many years of experience.

The trolleys were not part of the Term of Reference (TOR) but new trolleys were bought for the new arrival area by IMS Airport Services that have a wheel locking system making it suitable to use safely in the travelator. However, the old trolleys under TIA do not have a wheel-locking system, but are still being used in the departure area. Although we try to ensure that the arrival and departure trolleys remain separate, the old incompatible trolleys come to the new arrival area and get mixed up with the new trolleys. The old trolleys are not suitable in the travelator as it is hard to control the trolley due to the slope, especially with multiple heavy luggage.

In light of this issue, IMS Airport Services has taken immediate action to ensure the safety of our guests.

1. A bigger elevator with over 10 people capacity will be added to the area at the earliest which will reduce the overall congestion at the arrival hall
2. A guard has been placed full time in front of the travelator to guide incoming guests with trolleys and carrying over two suitcases to use the lifts instead of the travelator.
3. Signboards have been placed in front of the travelator highlighting the dos and don’ts.
4. Overall trolleys are regularly being maintained and repaired.
5. Incoming guests with up to two suitcases can still use the travelator safely without the trolleys. They will still have an option to get the trolleys at the end of the travelator to take it outside till the parking area. Until further notice, we would like to notify all incoming passengers that the use of trolleys have been strictly prohibited in the travelator.

We would like to assure the public that the management of IMS Group is committed to ensuring the safety of our guests at all times. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the recent issue and thank you for your patience.