Passengers arriving at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) are facing severe inconvenience and anger due to a newly enforced policy for cab pickups. The changes, implemented by Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), have led to scenes of confusion and frustration, with travellers, especially seniors and families, bearing the brunt.
Long Walks and Widespread Backlash
The core of the issue lies in the new kerbside pickup restrictions. Direct access to the arrival forecourts is now reserved only for airport-authorised aggregator taxis. Private pre-booked cabs and outstation taxis have been relocated to distant parking zones. This forces weary passengers, fresh off long flights, to undertake a nearly 800-metre walk with their luggage to meet their drivers.
This journey, which takes between 15 to 17 minutes, involves navigating ramps, corridors, and elevators. The physical toll has left many travellers exhausted and furious, questioning the planning behind a policy that seems to prioritise traffic flow over passenger comfort.
Senior Citizens and Families Struggle the Most
The policy has proven particularly harsh for vulnerable groups. Elderly passengers, parents managing young children, and individuals with medical conditions are reporting extreme difficulty. Many have described the mandatory long walk with heavy bags as insensitive and poorly planned, highlighting a lack of consideration for those with mobility challenges.
At Terminal 1, the situation is compounded by a complex lane system designated for different vehicle categories. While airport taxis get easy kerbside access, passengers looking for their private cabs must decipher this maze and trek to the far-off parking zones, often without clear guidance.
Rushed Pickups and Mounting Tensions
The stress is amplified at the newer Terminal 2. Here, drivers are given a strict eight-minute window to complete pickups. Failure to do so results in penalties, turning what should be a simple arrival process into a rushed and high-pressure experience for both drivers and passengers.
A major point of contention has been the poor communication surrounding the policy's rollout. Passengers complain of receiving inadequate notice, leading to a chaotic scene at both terminals. Lack of prominent signage and limited staff assistance have added to the disorder, with tempers flaring regularly.
Arguments between passengers and security staff, as well as clashes between drivers and airport personnel, have become common. Travellers argue that after paying various airport charges and cab fares, they are entitled to basic convenience, which the new system severely undermines.
Economic Impact on Cab Operators
The fallout isn't limited to passengers. Private and outstation cab operators are feeling a significant financial pinch. They report a spike in trip cancellations as passengers, seeking to avoid the arduous walk, are switching to the more conveniently located airport taxis. This shift has directly hit their earnings, and drivers also find themselves on the receiving end of passenger anger for a situation beyond their control.
The widespread backlash has led to calls for an urgent review and modification of the policy. As of now, the enforced rules continue to make arrivals at one of India's busiest airports a tiring and stressful affair, contradicting the modern travel experience the airport aims to provide.
