Dabolim airport canteen sealed off

Posted on 2008-11-26
VASCO - The airport authorities on Monday evening sealed off the canteen at the Dabolim airport alleging that the contractor had defaulted the licence agreement by not paying the licence fees amounting to lakhs of rupees.
Employees working on contract basis with various airline services, airport authority employees, Central Industrial Security Force personnel, private security personnel, taxi drivers besides others who visited the airport to receive and drop their dearer and nearer ones were surprised to see the canteen closed. The employees and visitors had no option but to depend upon other eateries that serve eatables at higher prices.
When contacted, the commercial manager of Airport Authority of India, Dabolim airport, Mr Bala Subramaniyam informed that the contractor who was allotted the contract to run the airport canteen has failed to pay the licence fees which amounts to lakhs of rupees. He informed that prior to the sealing, the airport authorities had issued evacuation notice to the private contractor. The airport authorities have even disconnected the electricity and water supply of the canteen.
Mr Subramaniyam also disclosed that the airport authorities have received many complaints from customers that unhygienic food and other items were being provided in the canteen.
Mr Subramaniyam has informed that the sealing of the airport canteen has not affected the passengers and VIPs. He informed that the airport is having port town restaurant for the tourists and other passengers. He also refuted claims that passengers and VIPs face difficulties due to the ongoing International Film Festival of India.
Mr Subramaniyam however stated that the airport authority would make alternate arrangements within next two days.