Bengaluru: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy conducted a reality check at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) to understand first-hand the impact of the new pick-up rules and parking charges imposed on commercial vehicles last month. The visit comes amid growing discontent among passengers and taxi drivers, who have complained that the revised system has made airport travel more inconvenient and expensive.

Minister inspects terminals and parking zones

During his visit, the minister toured both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 along with officials from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and representatives of taxi drivers’ unions. He inspected the arrival areas as well as the designated parking zones, P3 and P4, where commercial vehicles are now required to wait before picking up passengers.

Sharing his observations, Reddy said the distance between the arrival gates and the designated parking areas itself highlighted why the new rules have drawn criticism. He pointed out that he did not have to walk all the way to the parking area during the inspection, but even then, it was evident how far the zones were from the terminal exits.

“I can understand why the new rules are frustrating to both passengers and cab drivers. It does not work in favour of either,” the minister said, adding that the regulations appear to have been implemented without adequately considering ground realities.

Concerns over passengers and vulnerable groups

The transport minister reiterated his earlier concerns that the revised pick-up norms do not adequately address the needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. According to him, requiring passengers to walk long distances or depend on shuttle services can be particularly challenging for elderly travellers, people with reduced mobility, and those travelling with heavy luggage.

He stressed that airport infrastructure and transport rules must prioritise ease of movement and accessibility, especially at an international airport that handles several lakh passengers every month.

Details of the new pick-up rules

Under the new rules enforced at Terminal 1 from December 13, commercial vehicles that are not directly associated with the airport operator are barred from picking up passengers directly from the arrival kerb. Instead, they must wait in designated parking areas, P3 and P4.

Initially, drivers were allowed 10 minutes of free parking at these zones, which has now been extended to 15 minutes following protests and complaints. Beyond the free period, cab drivers are charged Rs 100 for the first half-hour and Rs 50 for every additional hour.

To facilitate passenger movement, BIAL has introduced shuttle buses operating at intervals of around seven minutes between the terminals and parking areas. In addition, buggies and cars are also available at Terminal 1. Similar pick-up and parking rules were implemented at Terminal 2 from December 11.

However, drivers argue that the waiting time, combined with parking charges, significantly increases their operational costs and reduces the number of trips they can complete in a day.

Minister seeks rollback of rules

Reddy revealed that he has already held multiple meetings with the airport management to discuss the issue and has advised them to reconsider and roll back the new regulations. He said the latest inspection was part of an effort to better understand the concerns raised by drivers and commuters.

“This is the second meeting we have had in this regard. I have guided the management towards rolling back the rules,” he said. The minister also made it clear that if the airport operator continues to insist on enforcing the current system, he would escalate the matter further.

“If the management is adamant about this, I will reach out to the chief secretary to look into this,” Reddy stated, indicating that the state government may intervene if necessary.

BMTC bay reduction draws criticism

Apart from taxi pick-up rules, the minister also expressed displeasure over the reduction in the number of BMTC bus bays at the airport. He said public transport should be strengthened, not curtailed, at major transit hubs like KIA.

BMTC buses are widely used by airport staff and passengers due to their affordability, and any reduction in bays could affect service frequency and convenience. The minister said this issue would also be taken up with the airport authorities.

Political and public pressure builds

Chikkaballapura MP K Sudhakar also held a similar interaction with BIAL management earlier this week, reflecting growing political attention on the matter. Elected representatives have received numerous complaints from constituents regarding increased costs and inconvenience at the airport.

Meanwhile, taxi drivers’ unions have warned of intensified protests if their concerns are not addressed.

Taxi drivers plan fresh protest

G Narayanaswamy, president of Karnataka Chalakara Okkuta, said the new rules have had a severe impact on the livelihoods of drivers. According to him, around 35,000 cab drivers who depend on airport trips have been affected by the regulations.

“The lives of approximately 35,000 drivers have been affected by these rules, and the airport has not taken any responsibility,” he said. While expressing faith in the transport minister, Narayanaswamy warned that drivers would be left with no option but to protest if the rules continue.

“In case the airport decides to stick with its rules, thousands of drivers will be protesting at the airport,” he added.

Conclusion

The transport minister’s on-ground inspection has added weight to demands for a review of the new taxi pick-up rules at Kempegowda International Airport. With concerns ranging from passenger inconvenience and accessibility issues to the livelihood of thousands of drivers, pressure is mounting on airport authorities to revisit the policy. Whether the rules will be rolled back or modified remains to be seen, but the issue has clearly emerged as a significant transport and public interest concern in the state.