English
English
English
Will Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport’s new eight-minute limit for private vehicles at arrival pick-up zones reduce congestion and improve passenger experience or create challenges for commuters during peak travel times?
KIA imposes an eight-minute cap for private vehicles at arrival pick-up zones.
Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, will start enforcing an eight-minute limit for private vehicles at arrival pick-up zones from December 8. The move aims to address growing congestion and improve passenger flow at the airport’s Terminals 1 and 2.
Private vehicles will have eight minutes of free access, which is longer than international norms. Vehicles exceeding this period will face fines ranging from Rs 150 for waits between eight to thirteen minutes and Rs 300 for thirteen to eighteen minutes. Vehicles remaining beyond eighteen minutes will be towed to the nearest police station, with towing and additional charges applied.
All commercial vehicles, including yellow-board taxis and electric cabs, are required to park only in designated zones. The first ten minutes of parking for these vehicles will be free. Those serving Terminal 1 must use the P4 and P3 zones, while vehicles serving Terminal 2 should go to the P2 area.
Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA, highlighted that these measures are intended to streamline passenger pick-ups, maintain safety, and reduce artificial congestion caused by lingering vehicles.
KIA handles around 130,000 passengers daily, with nearly 100,000 vehicles navigating its road network. This high traffic volume has increasingly strained kerbside lanes and terminal access areas, causing inconvenience for travellers and safety concerns.
According to BIAL, prolonged waiting by private vehicles disrupts traffic flow and contributes to congestion at the arrival gates. The airport has observed unauthorised halts, vehicles lingering outside gates and exit ramps, and roadside pick-ups. Such practices delay passenger movement and compromise safety.
The new regulations are part of the airport’s broader #BeCabWise initiative. The campaign seeks to educate commuters and cab operators about safer, better-regulated pick-up practices. Measures include improved signage, on-ground assistance, and coordination with ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM electric cabs, WTI cabs, and Airport Taxi.
Hari Marar, MD and CEO of BIAL, emphasised that the measures are not punitive but aim to protect travellers, ensure orderly vehicle movement, and create a seamless airport experience. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate to make boarding areas more organised and efficient.
With passenger numbers continuing to grow, particularly during peak travel seasons, the eight-minute cap and structured parking zones are expected to significantly reduce congestion at arrival areas. If successfully implemented, the initiative will enhance commuter safety, reduce waiting times, and promote a smoother, more convenient experience for everyone using Bengaluru airport
