Under the new lane segregation system, entry to the designated arrival pick-up zone in T1 and T2 will be free for all private cars, but they must exit within eight minutes. BIAL said this window was “much higher than international standards.”
Published Dec 04, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 04, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport.
Synopsis: The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is set to introduce a new lane segregation system starting 8 December, limiting free access at arrival pick-up zones to eight minutes and requiring commercial vehicles to wait only in designated parking areas. The BIAL says the measures are needed to manage growing traffic and improve safety and order at the kerbside, but cab drivers says rules will cut into their earnings.
A set of new measures to regulate arrival passenger pickups at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, has cab drivers up in arms, as they say the rules will hurt their earnings.
Airport operator Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) is introducing a lane segregation system from 8 December to enforce discipline, prevent unauthorised parking, and reduce dwell times. It says the move will “streamline passenger movement, reduce congestion, and improve safety, discipline, and overall convenience at arrival areas.”
The new lane segregation system at Terminal 2.
Under the new lane segregation system, entry to the designated arrival pick-up zone in T1 and T2 will be free for all private cars, but they must exit within eight minutes. BIAL said this window was “much higher than international standards.”
Vehicles that exceed this time will be charged ₹150 for an 8 to 13 minute stay and ₹300 for 13 to 18 minutes. Any vehicle overstaying beyond 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station, and applicable fines and towing charges will be levied.
Crucially, all commercial vehicles, including taxis and electric cabs, are required to wait for passengers only at the designated parking zones.
The first 10 minutes of parking at these designated areas will be complimentary. Commercial vehicles arriving at Terminal 1 are required to proceed to the P4 and P3 parking zones, while those serving Terminal 2 are can use the P2 parking zone.
Roughly 100,000 vehicles traverse the airport’s road network, which BIAL said places significant strain on its landside facilities, particularly the kerbside areas for drop-offs and pick-ups in front of the terminals.
The new lane segregation system at Terminal 1.
Lokesh, a cab driver who frequently picks up and drops passengers from the airport, says that if this new measure is implemented, he will be facing losses.
“We do not want this implemented in the way they want to do it. Our groups plan to hold a protest. We have submitted a letter to the airport authorities today,” he told South First.
He said that most of the time it is the airport authorities who do not manage traffic properly within the pick-up zones, and then fine the cab drivers if they stay for long while waiting for passengers who have booked their cabs.
“We do not want to waste time in the airport. We want to pick our passengers and get going. If I have to pay the fines they are proposing, how will I manage my family?” he asked.
Hari Marar, MD and CEO, BIAL, said the measure would “protect travellers”.
“With passenger traffic continuing to rise, especially during the travel season, it becomes essential to maintain discipline at pick-up zones, not as enforcement, but as a way to protect travellers, ensure orderly movement, and strengthen trust in the system,” he said.
“When passengers and cab operators follow the designated process, the experience becomes quicker, safer and more convenient for everyone involved.”
