A social media user reported that Hindi was taken off of the display boards at the Bengaluru Airport amid a linguistic conflict between the southern states and the centre.
A computerised screen at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) was shown in the video, which was uploaded on X last week. It displayed the flight number, destination, status, and gate numbers in both Kannada and English.
“A surprise was waiting for you today at the Kempegowda International Airport’s T1 terminal in Bengaluru. The user who posted the video noted that all of the digital boards showing flight information, arrival and departure times, and other details were only available in Kannada and English.
The user then posted several videos of the airport’s display boards that only displayed flight information in Kannada and English.
The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which runs the KIA, stated that it had not altered its flight information display system after his article went viral. It also stated that it was standard procedure for digital panels to display both Kannada and English in order to efficiently help travellers.
The Times of India cited a BIAL official as saying, “In addition, the wayfinding signages throughout the terminals are displayed in English, Kannada, and Hindi.”
However, the article revived the long-running argument about whether or not locations like train stations, bus stops, and airports should have multilingual signage to help visitors from different backgrounds.
A user asserted that Kannadigas were “resisting Hindi imposition” and referred to it as a “really good development.”
If “only those who know English and Kannada” travelled to Bengaluru, enquired another user.
“Not having Hindi at the metro station is understandable, but it has to be there at the airport and railway station,” he stated.
According to some, train stations and airports need to assist travellers rather than penalise them.
“As much as I resist Hindi imposition, removing Hindi from travel hubs like Airports and Railways stations is stupidity,” according to a comment.
