HYDERABAD: Rushing through the airport to catch a flight or simply waiting for boarding can be exhausting. Leaving the airport to pass the time isn’t ideal either, as the fear of missing a flight can cause anxiety. To address these common issues, JPOD has introduced new pods at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Passengers can now relax in a pod while waiting for their next flight.
Jagrut Thakkar, founder of JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd, shares the inspiration behind the concept, which stemmed from his own transit challenges. “I remember once my flight landed at 9 pm, and the next was at 5 am. Spending eight hours navigating with luggage and checking into a hotel was a hassle. Transit hotels cost at least Rs 10,000 per night, and even if you stay for just four hours, you still pay the full price,” he explains. Understanding the need for a more affordable and convenient solution, JPOD offers pods at Rs 500 per hour, with a reduced rate of Rs 1,400 for a three-hour stay, and further discounts for longer usage.
The founder explains that JPOD studied similar models already in use in countries like Singapore and China. “For people traveling to major cities for work, hygienic facilities tend to be expensive. We realized that pods, or capsule accommodations, were the perfect solution, and we first introduced them in Mumbai. Now, we’re implementing this model at transit hubs like airports,” says Jagrut Thakkar. The pods not only provide a budget-friendly option but also allow more people to be accommodated.
Hiren Gandhi, director of JPOD, highlights the benefits of the pod model: “Passengers don’t have to leave the airport, which saves them both money and the hassle of going out. With pods in place, you can relax without the worry of missing your flight,” he assures.
As for who can use the pods, Jagrut clarifies that flight tickets aren’t required for access. “You can be a local resident and still check into the pods; there’s no need for a flight ticket,” he adds.
Detailing the setup at the airport, Jagrut mentions there are six private (twin occupancy) pods, eight dedicated pods for women, and one specially designed pod for persons with disabilities (P
WDs).
