BIAL’s new airport pick-up policy curbs touts but creates hurdles for corporate groups, international delegates, and travel operators at Terminal 2 arrivals
BENGALURU
While Bengaluru International Airport Limited’s (BIAL) newly implemented parking and kerbside pick-up policy is intended to curb touting, illegal parking, and congestion, it is creating significant logistical challenges for large companies, tour operators, and organisations that rely on pre-arranged private cabs to transport delegates and business groups. Even as airport officials describe the changes as teething troubles, passengers and corporate travel coordinators say the system is proving impractical for handling large groups arriving at Terminal 2, particularly international delegates unfamiliar with the airport’s layout.
RK Misra, Co-founder of Yulu, who recently experienced the new system after landing on an international flight at Terminal 2, said while the intent behind the policy is understandable, initial hiccups remain. The staff guiding vehicles ended up sending my private car into the wrong lane. But these are early-stage issues. BIAL is trying to curb the menace of touts, taxis overstaying, and blocking pick-up points, which was making the entire area chaotic, he said. Misra added that with eight authorised taxi operators permitted at the kerbside, private cars continuing as before, and dedicated lanes for Ola and Uber, the system is largely streamlined.
However, he flagged concerns around pre-booked and corporate cabs operated by travel agencies, which are widely used by companies and frequent flyers. “The long walk for such pick-ups is very inconvenient. Some solution needs to be found—either a pre-booked token system or priority access for a fee to address this gap, he added.
Urbanist Naresh Narasimhan said, noting that safety gains are significant. This new parking policy will certainly reduce touting. BIAL is working out options, and with the buggy system, pressure on senior citizens and mothers with children will be reduced. There will be some teething effects, but they are acceptable given the safety benefits, he said. However, companies that rely on private tour operators to receive large delegations paint a different picture.
