Chennai, Dec 8, 2008 : On Wednesday, the rates for Rapid PCR and RTPCR tests at Chennai airport were reduced respectively by Rs 500 and Rs 100. Travellers have felt relief from the lowered rates for the two mandatory tests since the Omicron variant scare.
IANS previously reported on the trauma experienced by workers who had to raise money from their home to undergo Rapid PCR tests before boarding a plane to Dubai.These workers were working in a meager salary.
The cost of a Rapid PCR test per head was Rs 3,400.Now the rates are Rs 2,900 per person.
RT-PCR used to cost Rs 700 per person, but now it costs Rs 600
In a statement, Dr.Sharad Kumar, Chennai Airport Director, stated that the decision to lower the rates for testing will provide immediate relief to travellers.The Airport Authority of India took the decision to assist the passengers in the wake of the pandemic.
Director of Chennai airport stated that the Airport had decided to stop paying revenue share for the tests it conducted and instead passed the proceeds on to the passengers.
To cut down on waiting time, he also encouraged passengers to register online and pay online.
Both the State and Central governments made it mandatory that passengers from at-risk nations fly through RT-PCR testing and a random check of two percent for all passengers.
This was in addition to the Omicron variant.To conduct mandatory tests on passengers arriving from at-risk nations, a separate corridor was set up at Terminal 4 in Chennai.
Rapid PCR tests are also performed on outgoing passengers.This has adversely affected passengers to Dubai who were labourers.
Nizamuddin Rawther is a passenger travelling to Dubai and told IANS that he had taken a Rapid-PCR test and has to pay Rs 2,900.Although a reduction of Rs 500 would be welcome, people like me who are poor urge the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to lower the prices so they can make us more comfortable.
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