Pune Airport Plans 12-Minute Limit on Vehicle Stoppage at Terminal to Ease Congestion
Fast-Track Immigration Likely At Pune Airport, Promises Shorter Queues For International Flyers
Pune Airport is moving towards stricter traffic control at its terminal as part of an effort to reduce frequent congestion outside the arrival and departure areas. Soon, vehicles stopping at the terminal for pick-up or drop-off will be allowed to remain for only 12 minutes. Any vehicle exceeding this time will attract a penalty, with the new system expected to be rolled out within a week.
To monitor vehicle movement, the airport administration is installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at six key locations across the terminal premises. These cameras will capture vehicle registration numbers upon entry and exit, enabling authorities to calculate the total duration of stay. Vehicles crossing the permitted 12-minute limit will be charged an additional fee, though the exact penalty amount has not yet been announced.
On average, nearly 15,000 vehicles enter the Pune airport terminal every day. Extended waiting by drivers, particularly during peak night hours, has been a major contributor to traffic jams in the area. Pune Airport currently manages around 200 flights daily and handles approximately 35,000 passengers, placing increasing pressure on terminal infrastructure.
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke confirmed that a proposal to enforce the time restriction has already been submitted for approval and that the installation of the ANPR cameras has begun.
Aeromall Pune Vice-President Yuvrajsingh Rajput said the initiative would help discourage unnecessary parking within the terminal zone and improve overall traffic flow. He also noted that similar time-based vehicle restrictions are already operational at major airports including Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Airport officials believe the system will not only help reduce congestion but also improve monitoring of vehicle movement and enhance passenger convenience. Once implemented, the measure is expected to create a more orderly and efficient traffic environment at Pune Airport’s terminal area.
