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Travelers have echoed this sentiment, noting that being able to remain in their own wheelchair without unnecessary transfers provides a sense of control, safety, and confidence.
Travelers have echoed this sentiment, noting that being able to remain in their own wheelchair without unnecessary transfers provides a sense of control, safety, and confidence that is often missing from their travel experience. (Image: Kial)
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has taken a major step forward in accessible travel by introducing the Eagle Passenger Lifter, a first-of-its-kind device in India designed to ensure seamless, independent mobility for passengers with disabilities. With this device, passengers can get from the terminal to the plane door and back without leaving their wheelchair. This initiative places Bengaluru at the forefront of inclusive aviation and is a milestone in the country’s approach towards disability-friendly infrastructure.
For years, passengers requiring full assistance have relied on airport wheelchairs and aisle chairs. These frequent transfers not only slow down the boarding process but also cause physical discomfort and emotional stress to the passengers. Many have described the experience as rude, intrusive and unexpected. The Eagle Passenger Lifter eliminates this by keeping the passenger in their wheelchair throughout the entire journey, ensuring safety, privacy and autonomy.
How the device works
Airport officials said the Eagle Passenger Lifter is simple to use and designed to cause minimal inconvenience to the passenger. The process follows a clear, well-organized set of steps:
- Request wheelchair assistance during online booking or at the airport check-in counter. Airport personnel bring the Eagle Lifter with the necessary support team. Passengers remain seated in their individual wheelchair, which is safely secured to the lifter. An electrically operated device raises the wheelchair to airbridge level or directly to the aircraft door. After landing, the same process is reversed, ensuring a smooth return to the terminal.
With this system, there is no need for manual lifting, no transfers to chairs along narrow aisles and no reliance on multiple staff members. The whole process is more controlled, safer and significantly more respectful for passengers who require full mobility support.
A very personal gift behind the initiative
The arrival of this device at Bengaluru airport brings an emotional story. The Eagle Passenger Lifter was donated by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Founder Chairman, Healthcare Global, in the memory of his late son Adarsh. Adarsh lived with a disability and regularly experienced the difficulties of air travel, particularly the discomfort and vulnerability of transferring between chairs.
Dr. Kumar’s intentions were clear: He wanted no other traveler or family to face the challenges he saw. Through this donation, they hope to bring dignity, comfort and independence to the travel experience of thousands of people with mobility limitations. Airport officials said the initiative has set a compassionate benchmark in Indian aviation.
why it matters
For disabled passengers, the introduction of this device goes beyond convenience. It changes how they interact with the airport, how much independence they retain and how much inconvenience they avoid. Mobility advocacy groups have lauded the move, calling it a much-needed step that brings international accessibility standards to Indian airports.
Travelers have echoed this sentiment, noting that being able to remain in their own wheelchair without unnecessary transfers provides a sense of control, safety, and confidence that is often missing from their travel experience.
With this initiative, Kempegowda International Airport strengthens its position as one of the most passenger-centric airports in the country. Bengaluru has already introduced several facilities to assist vulnerable passengers, but the Eagle Passenger Lifter stands out for its direct impact and emotional resonance.
Airport officials have indicated that they may expand the use of such devices depending on demand and passenger feedback. At the moment, Bengaluru remains the only airport in India to offer this technology, marking it as a leader in accessible travel solutions.
A step towards dignified, inclusive air travel
For the thousands of commuters who rely on full mobility aids, this device represents restored dignity. It simplifies movement, removes the risk of injury, and ensures that disability does not hinder comfort, independence, or dignity.
The Eagle Passenger Lifter is more than a tool. It’s a reminder that good infrastructure doesn’t just move people; It respects them. And in that regard, Bengaluru Airport has set a new national benchmark.
December 05, 2025, 12:01 IST
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