Bengaluru Airport Reverses Decision to Levy Entry Fee on Vehicles
Bengaluru Airport Reverses Decision to Levy Entry Fee on Vehicles
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) has swiftly reversed its decision to impose entry fees on vehicles for arrival pickups, following a wave of protests and backlash from passengers and online communities. The move, which sparked outrage among citizens, has been suspended after strong opposition.
Initially, BIAL had planned to implement entry fees for vehicles accessing the arrival pickup lanes, with charges varying based on the type and duration of the vehicle’s stay. However, after facing criticism and anger from drivers and passengers alike, the decision has been rescinded for the time being.
The proposed entry fee collection method, which involved utilizing FASTag for automatic deductions, has been put on hold in response to the widespread discontent.
The abrupt implementation of entry fees without prior notice led to heated arguments between drivers and airport staff at the arrival pickup lane. In response, cab drivers had planned to stage a protest demanding a rollback of the decision.
According to sources within BIAL, the entry fee structure included charges for different types of vehicles, ranging from cabs to buses and tempo travelers. Commercial vehicles were slated to pay Rs 150 for up to 7 minutes, with additional fees beyond that duration. Private vehicles faced similar charges, with rates escalating for prolonged stays.
BIAL, a major infrastructure project with significant investment from Fairfax India Holdings Corp, Siemens, the Airports Authority of India, and the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, has opted to reevaluate its decision in light of the public outcry.
As the situation develops, commuters and stakeholders await further updates from BIAL regarding any potential revisions to their entry fee policy.
