'Put Some Dollar Price Tag...': Viral X Post Sparks Concern Over Alleged Misuse Of Wheelchair Service By Indian Flyers At Airport

A viral photograph on social media has ignited a heated discussion regarding alleged misuse of wheelchair facilities at an international airport by Indian passengers. The undated image, which has garnered over 3 million views on X within just a few hours of posting, shows a long line of passengers seated in wheelchairs. Netizens have been quick to react, with some suggesting a financial deterrent to curb what they perceive as unfair use of the service.

One user suggested imposing a charge of ₹50, stating, "Put a 50 rupees charge, they'll happily walk." However, another netizen defended the passengers, pointing out the potential confusion that can arise from airport signage and the challenges of communicating with staff for assistance. They argued that some passengers book wheelchair services to ensure they can navigate the airport smoothly and arrive at their flights on time.

Critics have also pointed out that many of the passengers in the photo appear able-bodied, leading to calls for a financial penalty. One user tweeted, "Just put some dollar price tag….they will all happily walk." This sentiment was echoed by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, who had previously reacted to a similar viral video. In November 2025, she suggested that an additional charge of ₹5,000 per airport could help ascertain the number of genuine passengers requiring the service.