Bengaluru airport tightens pick-up rules; Heavy fines kick in as taxi drivers protest

KIA introduces strict time limits for pick-up and drop-off; security tightened amid cab drivers’ anger

Strict new traffic and parking rules came into effect today at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Devanahalli, as the airport administration rolled out a time-bound system for all vehicles arriving to pick up or drop off passengers. The new rule caps waiting time and imposes fines on vehicles that remain in the pick-up zone beyond the permitted limit.

Also Read:Bengaluru airport to enforce strict new pick-up lane rules from December 8 to cut congestion

Under the revised system, private vehicles are allowed to wait for a maximum of eight minutes in the designated pick-up area. Exceeding this window will attract fines:

•    ₹150 for 8–13 minutes,
•    ₹300 for 13–18 minutes,
•    Vehicles parked beyond 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station.

Airport officials said the move aims to reduce congestion outside the arrival terminal and ensure quicker movement of traffic.

The rules for commercial vehicles have also been tightened. Yellow-board taxis and electric cabs must wait only in the officially allotted parking zones, specifically P3 and P4, and are allowed 10 minutes of free parking. They have been barred from entering the main arrival pick-up point for waiting.

Also Read:IMD warns of sharp temperature drop in Karnataka; Bengaluru to see fog, light rain

The enforcement, however, has triggered strong reactions. Several taxi unions expressed anger, arguing that the designated parking areas are too far from the arrival gate and make it harder for passengers to reach their cabs. Drivers demanded that they be allowed to wait closer to the pick-up zone, stating that passengers often insist on being picked up directly outside the terminal.

Anticipating protests, the airport has put tight security in place, led by the Airport Security Force, local police, and traffic police. The heightened deployment aims to prevent any disruption or untoward incidents as drivers continue to oppose penalty enforcement.

The airport administration plans to start imposing fines on delayed parking from this afternoon, with officials monitoring vehicle movement closely to ensure compliance.

Also Read:Karnataka raises maize procurement limit from 20 to 50 quintals per farmer

A meeting is being held today at the Kempegowda International Airport to discuss the penalties introduced for vehicles that park beyond the permitted time. The review was led by West Zone Joint Commissioner Ramesh Banooth, with airport authority officials participating in the discussion. The meeting examined the new penalty system in detail, especially in the backdrop of strong opposition from unorganised and unauthorised cab drivers. Due to the rising resistance and the possibility of protests, the police have strengthened security at the airport as a precautionary measure.