Seven months later, still no sanitary pads vending machine at new airport terminal

However, an official from Pune Airport said that the old terminal, which currently handles only 20 percent of the airport’s operations, has nearly 18 to 20 sanitary napkins vending and dispensing machines. The new terminal, on the other hand, is expected to have these facilities available in the coming days.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) on May 6, 2024, inviting service providers for the operation and maintenance of sanitary pad vending machines and an incinerator at Pune Airport. The initiative aims to install 22 vending machines (19 operational, 3 in reserve) and ensure free sanitary pad availability for passengers. However, as of now, passengers continue to face issues due to the lack of functional machines, highlighting a gap between policy and on-ground implementation.

Women passengers and cleaning staff have expressed disappointment over the lack of hygiene facilities, health provisions, and the unavailability of basic needs for women at the airport’s new terminal.

A cleaning staff member at Pune airport, when asked about the availability of sanitary pads in the new terminal, said there are currently no pads available inside the terminal. “There were machines installed at the old terminal, but women often complain about the non-functioning vending machines there as well,” she said.

Raveena Katkar, who landed at Pune airport at 4.30 am, needed a sanitary napkin unexpectedly. She told The Indian Express that she searched for pads in bathrooms on the ground floor and even enquired to the cleaning staff there but didn’t find any. “Since I am not from Pune, I had to travel by cab for over four to five hours to reach home, and no pharmacy was open that early in the morning,” she said.

Swananda Dhananjay Tatke, a 62-year-old woman travelling from Pune to Chennai on January 30 said that while she may not need sanitary pads at this age, the absence of the vending machines is noticed by all women.

The Emergency Medical Room (EMR), which was inaugurated in August last year to enhance passenger safety and is operated 24/7 by Ruby Hall Clinic, was expected to provide essential medical assistance. However, women passengers reported that when they approached the EMR, they were informed that sanitary napkins were unavailable.

Alice Barwa said that while she was travelling from Pune to Raipur a few times back, she realised that she got her periods and when checked the washroom near Zone 1 bathroom, there was no Sanitary Pad Dispenser. She said that since she found no pharmacy in the airport, she could not buy a packet either.

“I asked about it from the workers, who said that currently there is no dispenser unlike the washrooms in the old terminal. She said that if I urgently need one, they can send someone outside to get a pad. I asked if they had one in their staff room but they didn’t. I asked staff near the boarding check-in if pads are available in the Emergency Medical room (EMR) but they said no. Only a doctor would be available if I need it in case of an emergency such as pain,” Barwa added.

Pune Airport director Santosh Dhoke said that the old terminal already has this service, and the process for the new terminal is underway. “Soon, every ladies toilet will have a vending machine. Nearly 20 vending and dispensing machines will be available in the coming days.”

When asked about the medical shop at the airport in relation to the napkins, he explained that if there are no customers, there’s no reason to open the pharmacy. Operating it requires both financial resources and staff. “The bare minimum needed for passengers is already available at the airport,” he said.