Airport taxi drivers warn of hunger strike at KIA, blame ‘Side Pick-Up’ rules and BIAL’s move

Tension flared near Kempegowda International Airport as taxi drivers protested new parking and pick-up rules, with the drivers’ union alleging bias and warning of an arrival-terminal hunger strike if demands are ignored.

Tension prevailed near Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Tuesday morning after airport taxi drivers launched a protest against newly implemented parking and pick-up regulations. The agitation led to road blockades near the Sadahalli toll gate, raising concerns over possible disruption to airport taxi services.

Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Narayanaswamy, representing the drivers’ association, said the protest was not sudden or unjustified. He stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) had stepped in to mediate the issue and assured discussions with higher authorities. According to him, the drivers have been serving airport passengers continuously for the past 17 years.

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Narayanaswamy strongly opposed the restrictions on so-called “side pick-up” points, saying the drivers were being unfairly blamed. “We are not causing any inconvenience to anyone. They say side pick-up is a problem, but there are hardly 25 to 30 people involved. If that is the issue, can’t they be stopped?” he questioned.

He further alleged that nearly 15,000 to 25,000 drivers depend on airport operations for their livelihood. “If such a large number of drivers are pushed out, it only benefits others. This calculation itself shows there is a larger plan behind it,” he said, accusing Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) of deliberately creating hurdles for local taxi drivers.

The protest escalated near the Sadahalli gate, where demonstrators blocked roads and raised slogans demanding justice. Some protesters were also seen throwing water bottles to express their anger. Police personnel rushed to the spot and attempted to control the situation and ease traffic congestion.

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Narayanaswamy said the DCP had requested two days’ time to resolve the matter. In response, the drivers have agreed to hold back their agitation for four days. However, he issued a clear warning that if the issue remains unresolved, the drivers will launch an indefinite hunger strike at the airport arrival terminal.

Following police intervention, the agitation was temporarily called off and taxi drivers returned to duty for the time being. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sajith said the protesters had been persuaded to resume services and confirmed that the matter would be discussed with senior officials before taking a final decision.

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