KIA backtracks on entry fee after cab drivers stage protest

BENGALURU: Less than a day after it imposed an entry fee for private cars and taxis, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) withdrew it in the face of stiff opposition.

The BIAL authorities announced on Sunday announced that Rs 150 will be collected from private cars and taxis staying beyond 7 minutes in the pick-up lanes of Terminals 1 and  2. The next day, cab drivers expressed outrage at the KIA administration and staged a protest with black bands on their arms to oppose the new fee.

Later, the protesters withdrew their protest after BIAL management agreed that they will not collect any entry fee from cab drivers. A huge billboard had even been installed at KIA, displaying the charges for the ‘pay and use zone’.

It is charging entry fee for commercial vehicles is Rs 150 per 7 minutes, and it is free for private vehicles. If the timings is exceeded 7 minutes, it will charge Rs 150 private vehicles and Rs 300 for commercial vehicles. The management board of Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport implemented the new rule last Sunday.

Cab drivers were angry  with the airport authorities after the  entry fee was announced. After they staged a protest on Monday,  BIAL has temporarily stopped collecting charges from them.

The airport taxi drivers are planning to meet the Chief Minister and the Transport Minister. They allege that the airport management has suspended the entry charges for the time being and will be started at a later date.

Ramesh, honourary president of the taxi drivers Union said, ‘The airport authorities are collecting Rs 150 for 7 minutes and imposing more fare if we delay by even one minute. We did not have any such problems until Sunday. The management is collecting different fees, like development fees. Why should we pay to pick up our customers? We are charging Rs 170 for 22 km including toll charges. For the time being, they have stopped collecting the entry fee, but they may resume it at a later date. This is nothing but harassment of drivers”.