The Karnataka government has issued a strict one-week ultimatum to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to resolve the severe passenger inconvenience caused by its new parking and pickup regulations at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). This directive comes after high-level interventions from both the state's Chief Secretary and the Transport Minister.
High-Level Visits Force Action
The government's firm stance followed a visit to the airport by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, who also serves as the chairperson of BIAL, on Friday, January 9, 2026. Her inspection came just two days after Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy publicly reprimanded airport officials on Wednesday, January 7, over the chaotic situation.
Passengers and taxi drivers had been vocal in their complaints since the new policy was implemented in the last week of December 2025. The rules restricted vehicle access at the Terminal 1 arrivals, forcing travelers to haul their luggage for distances exceeding 800 metres to reach their cabs, sparking widespread outrage.
Key Directives and Immediate Changes
According to government sources, BIAL has been ordered to modify the existing rules within the seven-day deadline. A senior officer revealed that "BIAL has agreed to hold meetings with stakeholders and to allow passengers’ private vehicles to be parked at P4. One can also come to the arrivals area to pick up the passengers."
In a significant relief measure, BIAL has consented to introduce valet parking services at the P4 parking area. This service will enable private vehicles to be brought to the arrival lane within approximately four minutes, though the exact timelines for rollout are yet to be announced.
Chief Secretary Rajneesh also instructed the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to reopen its helpdesk at Terminal 1, which had been closed for renovation.
Ongoing Bus Bay Dispute and Passenger Impact
However, a critical issue raised by Minister Reddy concerning the reduction of bus bays at Terminal 1 remains unresolved. Rajneesh has directed the BIAL CEO to meet with the managing director of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to find a solution.
The dispute has had a tangible impact on public transport usage. BMTC data shows that while 156 buses operate on 22 routes from the airport, daily passenger numbers have plummeted from around 14,000 to 11,000 since the new policy took effect last month.
BIAL, in its defense, stated that the bus bays were not removed but relocated to Terminal 2. "The main bus bay has been shifted to Terminal 2 at the multi-level parking facility, where a larger bus bay/terminal has been provided. The space at Terminal 1 currently functions only as a BMTC and KSRTC bus pick-up point," a BIAL spokesperson clarified.
New Standards and Passenger Support Measures
The government has outlined several new standards to streamline operations and ensure passenger safety:
- Taxi and Aggregator Services: Pickup points for app-based services like Namma Yatri and Rapido have been moved from P1 and P2 to the P4 area.
- KSTDC Registration: Only commercial vehicles meeting strict safety standards—including police verification, RTO fitness, AIS-140 tracking, panic buttons, and the Suraksha Mitra app—will be registered and allowed near the arrival gate. About 900 permits have already been issued.
- Enhanced Assistance: A transport assistance desk has been set up, 20 BIAL personnel deployed for luggage help, and new signage installed. Six special vehicles with hydraulic facilities are now available for senior citizens and wheelchair users.
Additionally, the police department has been told to enforce a 'No Honking Zone' within 100 meters of the arrival gate, as per Bureau of Civil Aviation Security guidelines prohibiting parking in that zone.
With the one-week clock ticking, all eyes are on BIAL to implement these changes swiftly and restore order at one of India's busiest airports, ensuring a smoother experience for the millions of passengers who transit through Bengaluru annually.
