SynopsisKhajuraho Airport achieved a top customer satisfaction rating from the Airports Authority of India. This ranking occurred as flights to and from the airport were suspended for several months. The article suggests that reduced user numbers improve infrastructure performance metrics. This pattern is observed across various public services and infrastructure projects. The author questions the value of such improvements without actual public engagement.A Khajuraho Lesson: Less the MerrierIndia has cracked the code to quality: remove the people. Khajuraho Airport has topped Airports Authority of India's (AAI) 2026 National Customer Satisfaction Index.The secret sauce? Having flights connecting Khajuraho only to Delhi and Varanasi, which since July became zero commercial flights, and will be that way till October. No passengers, no queues, no inordinate wait for luggage. In short, perfection.This is the genius of Indian infrastructure: fewer the users, higher the rating. Highways shine, until the first vehicles rumble through. Roads are awesome, until the rains arrive. Pedestrian-less streets are fab. Courtrooms would have wrapped up cases faster than you can say 'M'lord', government departments would have signed off files in a jiffy if there were just a few cases and fewer files to consider each week. So, yes, Khajuraho's spotless lounges and superb Wi-Fi access show a jaldi and easier way to viksit-hood. Exam halls with 10 students (no leaks, no stress). Hospitals without 30 patients (immaculate wards, impeccable hygiene). India's quality problem is solved the moment India stops showing up. But hang on.If the best airport is one without flights, should the best cinema be one without screenings, the best restaurant one without food? And the best Parliament one without politicians? Oh, forgot. We have just one Parliament. Phew.( Originally published on Jul 30, 2026 ) ...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now