The airport has levied fees for private vehicles and various commercial vehicles that lingered beyond a set time, to manage congestion and enhance security in the arrival areas.
Published May 21, 2024 | 2:58 PM ⚊ Updated May 21, 2024 | 2:58 PM
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (iStock)
Following protests and widespread criticism, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) retracted its newly implemented vehicle entry fee at Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday, 21 May, just one day after its introduction.
On Monday, 20 May, the airport levied fees for private vehicles and various commercial vehicles that lingered beyond a set time, to manage congestion and enhance security in the arrival areas.
However, this move was met with immediate resistance and widespread protests from the driving community and passengers, leading to revoking the decision.
Initially, the fee system required commercial vehicles (yellow board) to pay ₹150 for up to 7 minutes and ₹300 for more than 7 minutes.
Private vehicles (whiteboard) were charged ₹150 for stays beyond 7 minutes up to 14 minutes.
Additionally, buses were charged an entry fee of ₹600, and tempo travellers were charged ₹300, with both types of vehicles allowed to enter through Lane 3 at Terminal 1.
A BIAL source confirmed the revocation to SouthFirst, noting that the policy was intended to address unauthorized taxis and private vehicles that congested the pickup lanes, impacting passenger convenience and safety.
“The charges have been revoked and we are reviewing the situation, our priority is to ensure our passengers’ safety and convenience.” BIAL source said.
While the fee collection is currently suspended, BIAL is however reviewing the situation and considering further actions. The source emphasized that official taxi operators with designated lanes were exempt from these fees.
Radhakrishna Holla, president of Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association who was travelling out of town learnt from South First about the retraction.
Holla who hopes it is not a temporary recall said, “I am very thankful if it is a permanent recall. I am aware of all other airports levying charges on commercial vehicles but they are not as expensive as BIAL was charging.”
“These charges are not cost-effective and would have had a direct impact on the passengers, as well as drivers who make minimum wages driving these cabs,” he further added.
Taking to X, Holla thanked the authorities for taking quick action.
Thank you for taking quick action and responding to our request. This definitely helps a lot of our self emplyed taxi operators and frequent economic class Air passengers.
@@HariMarar @HSVB2047
K Radhakrishna Holla
KSTOA— K RadhakrishnaHolla (@Holla123K) May 21, 2024
Radhakrishna Holla had earlier taken to X to criticise the move.
At least 30 minutes of free passenger pickup should be provided for those ariving from the international airport. Taxi service and airports are same line business. They consider the local taxi operators livelihood. @HariMarar kindly review this plan @presidentfkcci @SuryaNataraja
— K RadhakrishnaHolla (@Holla123K) May 20, 2024
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula.)
