In India, it might take some time for something to happen. Or to become a part of it all. But when it does, the tsunami of volumes is unstoppable.
In my three decades, it happened with the TV first. Then the mobile phone. Then, to an extent, the internet. And here, in the picture above, sure, unmistakable signs of this happening to aviation as well.
The picture above is from the departures area of Delhi Airport, this morning at 4.40 AM. Seats all across are occupied by people catching up on their sleep before they take the two hour flight to get to some other part of the country.
Sitting here, i have a large number of people around me. Young and old. Men, women and children. Some flaunting their riches. Some in rags. Some women in the Ghoonghat. Pradas and louis vuittons for handbags. Sacks and jholaas for the same. A mobile to everyone's ear. Godmen and Godly looking persons.
Breakfast options- FresCo and Baker's cafe. Costa coffee and KFC. Laddoo and alu-puri.
Dress- Bandini prints and Kanjeevarams.
Shop- Odyssey and Metro.
So many languages i hear. Telegu and Assamese. Portuguese and Punjabi.
I love the diversity, variety and colour my country offers. Be it at a bus stand or an airport. And i love it when i see the airports getting more egalitarian, tending to bus stands and raiwlay stations.
The mobile revolution has made Indian talk like never before. The now-on-now-off low cost airlines revolution is making a lot many more Indians go, by the aerial route. I think the volumes, the demand in all there. Indians as a people love to connect. The airlines need to get their act right. Play on the volumes.
And i would love that to happen- to see that little difference would exist between a Road transport corporation travel and air travel. Egalitarianism would have triumphed- but for sure, if the scene at Delhi ariport is any indication at the moment, it is on its way !
