Cab drivers in Bengaluru are gearing up for a protest against the newly announced overstaying charges at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The drivers are demanding an increase in the free pickup time from the stipulated eight minutes to fifteen minutes, arguing that the current window is insufficient for smooth passenger pickups.
New Airport Parking Rules Spark Outrage
The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA, has introduced a revised fee structure for vehicles waiting in the pickup zones, set to take effect from December 8, 2025. According to the new policy, private vehicles, including taxis and cabs, will be granted only eight minutes of free stay in the designated areas.
After this initial period, steep charges will apply. Vehicles remaining for 8 to 13 minutes will be charged Rs 150. The fee doubles to Rs 300 for a stay lasting between 13 to 18 minutes. The most severe penalty is reserved for those exceeding the 18-minute mark: such vehicles will be towed to the nearest police station, with additional fines imposed on the owners.
Drivers' Demands and Planned Action
The cab driver unions have expressed strong dissatisfaction with these measures. Their primary contention is that the eight-minute window is impractical, especially during peak hours or when passengers are delayed in collecting luggage and exiting the terminal. They argue that the short time frame will inevitably lead to fines for a majority of drivers, unfairly impacting their livelihood.
In response, the drivers are mobilizing for a protest to voice their demand for a more reasonable 15 minutes of free pickup time. They believe this extension is essential to accommodate real-world delays without penalizing drivers or causing unnecessary congestion as vehicles rush to avoid fines.
Potential Impact on Commuters and Airport Operations
If the protest goes ahead, it could lead to significant disruptions in cab availability at the airport, affecting thousands of daily passengers. The standoff highlights the ongoing challenges in managing traffic flow at India's third-busiest airport while balancing the interests of service providers.
The new rules are part of BIAL's broader strategy to decongest the pickup zones and ensure smoother traffic movement. However, the cab drivers' union insists that the solution should not come at their expense. The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for airport transport regulations in major Indian cities.
