Bengaluru Airport's New Parking Policy Sparks Protests Among Local Taxi Drivers

The Karnataka Drivers' Association recently held a demonstration near the airport toll plaza, challenging the newly implemented parking regulations at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. Law enforcement officers quickly detained the protesters to maintain order and prevent operational disruptions.

Private taxi operators have expressed significant concerns regarding the parking allocation at Terminal 1. Under the current policy, their designated parking area is situated approximately 800 metres from the arrival gate. This arrangement has created considerable inconvenience for travelers, particularly elderly passengers and families traveling with children, who must walk extensive distances after enduring long flights.

At Terminal 2, private taxi drivers face additional restrictions with only 8 minutes of free parking time permitted. Exceeding this timeframe results in penalties: vehicles parked for 8-13 minutes incur a Rs 150 fine, while those remaining for 13-18 minutes face a Rs 300 penalty. Furthermore, authorities retain the right to tow vehicles that violate these parking regulations. Taxi operators argue that the 8-minute window is unrealistically brief for reaching the designated pickup locations.

The revised parking system has implemented a lane-based organization where government vehicles exclusively use the first lane. Airport-approved aggregator taxis are assigned to the second lane, while white-board vehicles including private cars utilize the third and fifth lanes. Premium app-based taxi services occupy the remaining lanes. This reorganization has generated significant dissatisfaction among private taxi operators.

Drivers report that these regulations have substantially impacted their earnings. They note that passengers at Terminal 1 must walk nearly one kilometer to reach private taxis, while the eight-minute restriction at Terminal 2 presents logistical challenges. Consequently, many travelers are canceling their bookings, resulting in financial hardship for drivers. Industry associations have accused the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) management of showing preferential treatment to airport taxi services and app-based aggregators.

Travelers who prefer private taxi services have likewise reported difficulties navigating the modified parking arrangements.

In response, BIAL has defended the changes, stating they were implemented to address traffic congestion, prevent unsafe stopping practices, reduce confusion in kerbside areas of the busy airport, and enhance the overall arrival experience for passengers.