Bengaluru airport tightens rules on pick-up lanes at T2

Bengaluru: The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has introduced new measures to tackle chronic congestion and unauthorised cab operations at the Terminal 2 arrivals pick-up area, following the implementation of overstay charges at the kerbsides.

A visit to the airport showed that BIAL has put in place a detailed system with fast tag-enabled entry and exit gates, a time limit for private vehicles, and clear diversion for commercial yellow-board taxis.

The T2 arrivals floor (Level 0) now sees a separation of vehicles. The first few lanes are dedicated to authorised cabs such as Ola, Uber and government-run airport taxis, while the subsequent lanes are designated for private white-board vehicles picking up passengers.

A BIAL spokesperson said the new system is aimed at enhancing passenger safety and easing congestion caused by unauthorised drivers and their associates, who would often tout for business and block lanes for long periods.

The eight-minute limit, while seemingly tight, is said to be an increase over the five-minute limits seen in many international airports. The goal is to bring discipline and discourage unauthorised waiting, the spokesperson said.

The T1 rollout

BIAL officials told DH that similar rules will be extended to Terminal 1 on Saturday, where domestic carriers like IndiGo operate.

Due to the T1's shorter arrival lane, the time calculation will begin 80 metres from the pick-up points. At the road bifurcation leading to T1 and T2, traffic police and barricades are being deployed to enforce segregation, diverting all yellow-board taxis to designated parking areas (P3/P4).

Many private taxi drivers expressed concern that the narrow time-bound window of entry and exit will not be sufficient for them to pick up passengers and their luggage. They have demanded that it be increased to at least 15 minutes.

So far, the implementation at T2 has been smooth, with no backlash or protests from drivers reported. Police personnel have been deployed in the vicinity to ensure compliance with the new rule, suggesting the BIAL's long-sought solution to the touting network may finally be taking effect.