Pune Airport Awaits Approval for Automated Vehicle Monitoring System to Curb Traffic Violations
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Pune | July 28, 2025 — With growing passenger traffic and a surge in the number of private vehicles entering the premises, Pune International Airport is seeking to modernize its traffic enforcement strategy through the deployment of an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. The technology is expected to automatically identify vehicles that overstay in restricted terminal zones and issue fines without manual intervention.
According to airport officials, the proposal to implement ANPR was submitted to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) nearly three months ago. However, the necessary approval is still awaited. In the meantime, airport operations continue to depend on manual enforcement methods, which have proven inadequate in controlling vehicle congestion and ensuring compliance with parking time regulations.
As per AAI guidelines, private vehicles are permitted a 15-minute grace period within the terminal area. Vehicles that exceed this time are liable to pay a ₹500 penalty. Currently, fines are imposed manually by a small enforcement team of four to five staff members—far fewer than required for managing the steady flow of traffic.
The Airport Authorities to Hindustan Times stated, “The proposal for ANPR has been submitted and is under consideration by AAI. Until approval comes through, we are continuing with manual enforcement, though it is insufficient to fully address the issue.”
The absence of a robust system has led to multiple challenges. Staff frequently encounter resistance from drivers who overstay and refuse to move their vehicles, resulting in arguments and, at times, heated confrontations.
Previously, the airport’s parking penalty policy has undergone several changes. In 2016, a fee of ₹85 was imposed for halts exceeding seven minutes. In 2019, the time limit was reduced to three minutes, with a revised penalty of ₹340. The current rules, updated in June 2025, extend the grace period to 15 minutes but enforce a steeper ₹500 fine for violations—intended to be streamlined through the upcoming ANPR system.
While the airport continues to grapple with traffic management using limited manpower, officials hope the proposed technology will soon receive clearance, bringing much-needed efficiency to terminal zone enforcement and reducing manual conflicts with commuters.
