In a swift turnaround, Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has rescinded its newly imposed entry fee for private and commercial vehicles accessing the arrival pick-up lanes at Terminals 1 and 2. The decision, implemented only 24 hours earlier, was met with strong opposition from taxi drivers, leading to its abrupt cancellation.
Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), the operator of KIA, initially introduced the entry fee on Monday. Notices regarding the new charges had been prominently displayed across the airport premises. However, the implementation quickly led to confrontations between taxi drivers and BIAL staff, with drivers labelling the fee as “arbitrary and daylight robbery.”
The entry fee structure required commercial vehicles to pay Rs 150 for the first seven minutes and Rs 300 for the next seven minutes. Private vehicles were allowed the first seven minutes free of charge, after which Rs 150 was levied for the next seven minutes. The fee was introduced, according to a BIAL official, to manage the flow of vehicles and reduce congestion at the arrival pick-up lanes, preventing extended stays that could inconvenience passengers. The official also noted that similar fees are in place at other airports across India. However, the fee policy did not apply to taxi aggregators and airport taxi operators who have designated pick-up points within the airport premises.
The backlash was immediate and intense. Heated arguments erupted at the arrival pick-up lanes, and videos of the disputes between taxi drivers and BIAL staff quickly went viral. The pressure from taxi drivers and the negative public reaction prompted BIAL to halt the fee collection on Monday night. A BIAL spokesperson confirmed the suspension, stating, “The collection of the entry fee was stopped Monday night. An internal team is reviewing the decision on the entry fee.” The spokesperson also indicated that a comprehensive review would be conducted to determine the best course of action moving forward.
The introduction of the fee was intended to streamline vehicle movement and enhance the overall passenger experience by reducing congestion at the terminal’s kerb area. However, the adverse reaction from stakeholders underscores the need for careful consideration and stakeholder engagement in implementing such policies. This incident highlights the complexities involved in managing airport operations and the importance of balancing operational efficiency with stakeholder interests. The rapid reversal of the fee underscores the power of public and stakeholder response in influencing policy decisions.
As BIAL continues to review its approach, the focus will likely remain on finding a solution that addresses congestion without causing undue burden on passengers and service providers. The outcome of this review will be closely watched by other airports and industry stakeholders, as it could set a precedent for similar initiatives in the future.
