Hundreds of taxi drivers brought traffic to a halt near the Sadahalli toll plaza on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway on Tuesday morning. The drivers were staging a vigorous protest against what they call "skewed" parking and pick-up regulations for pre-booked cabs at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
Core Grievances: Penalties and Inaccessible Pick-Up Points
The protesting drivers, who identify as independent and traditional operators, demanded an immediate rollback of the new rules. They allege the policy is unfairly designed to benefit app-based aggregator companies like Ola and Uber at their expense. According to the drivers, the new system is devastating the livelihoods of an estimated 30,000 drivers who have served the airport for decades, including when it was located at HAL.
A major point of contention is the relocation of their pick-up zone to P4, which is about 1 kilometre from the arrival terminals. Ramesh H, honorary president of the Bruhat Bengaluru Taxi Drivers' Union, stated that this shift was done "without proper application of mind." He explained that passengers, especially those with luggage, children, or elderly family members, find it extremely difficult to reach the distant pick-up point.
This logistical hurdle, drivers claim, almost always results in them incurring a penalty of Rs 100 for exceeding the stipulated boarding time at the pick-up bay. "We've been operating airport services for 10 years. Earlier, one airport trip would cover fuel and toll cost. Now, after paying toll, waiting charges and penalties at P3 and P4, we are going back with losses," said Ramesh Gowda, a cab driver from Yelahanka.
Protest Turns Tense, Drivers Taken Into Custody
The demonstration briefly escalated when a section of the protesters tried to block traffic on the national highway and damaged a few taxis. In response, police used a mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Authorities noted that while the protesters had not sought prior permission for the demonstration, they were initially allowed to conduct a sit-in.
Eventually, around 150 protesters were taken into preventive custody to restore order. They were all released later in the day. The police action highlighted the intensity of the drivers' frustration over the issue.
Wider Impact: Fare Hikes and Fear of Elimination
The drivers warned that if the rules are not withdrawn, the overall cost of cab rides from the airport will inevitably shoot up, forcing passengers to pay a steep price. Their core argument is that the operational difficulties and constant penalties will have to be factored into future fares.
Beyond immediate costs, there is a profound fear among the traditional taxi community. Driver Mohammed Ismail expressed the anxiety that independent operators are being systematically pushed out of the airport ecosystem. The union leaders argue that the rules, framed by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), disregard their long-standing service and threaten their very survival in the face of deep-pocketed aggregators.
The protest underscores a growing clash in Indian cities between traditional service providers and the new platform-based economy, with infrastructure policies often becoming the battleground. The drivers have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands for a fair and accessible pick-up system at KIA are met.
