Bengaluru airport’s new arrival pick-up system has affected cab operators such as Rapido, Namma Yatri, Shoffr, and others, as they are no longer allowed to pick up passengers from the kerbside and must wait in the designated parking areas at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Also, read: Bengaluru drivers turn to Telegram, WhatsApp and zero-commission apps to beat Ola-Uber duopoly
The changes have also affected individual drivers who are part of Telegram and WhatsApp groups-popularly known among cab drivers in the city as 'duty groups'- that offer rides without surge pricing, as these are direct bookings and drivers do not pay any commission or service charge to aggregators. This has also affected travel agents and hotels that send vehicles for VIP airport pick-ups.
Manju S, a regular passenger, said: “There is already a shortage of cabs at the airport, especially at night. The new restrictions will only worsen the situation. It's unfair to ask senior citizens and passengers with luggage to walk long distances to board a cab after a long flight. These restrictions should be imposed only after the Metro becomes operational.”
Rapido, Namma Yatri, and Shoffr were not immediately available to comment. The copy will be updated once we hear from them.
Karnataka Drivers’ Union, led by G Narayanaswamy, which staged a protest near Sadahalli gate toll plaza close to airport on December 16, said: “Thousands of drivers who are not part of aggregators have had their livelihoods affected by the restrictions. There are several Telegram duty groups that were catering to airport passengers. We will intensify our protests if BIAL’s decision is not reversed.”
Only authorised taxi operators
According to BIAL officials, only authorised taxi operators- KSTDC, Mega, Uber, Uber Black, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM Electric Cabs and WTI- are allowed to pick up passengers from the kerbside.
“Those who want to be picked up from the kerbside need to ask their agent to book a taxi through one of the authorised operators,” a BIAL official said.
Authorised taxi operators have been provided with dedicated pick-up bays at the terminals. “We have started a shuttle service from the kerbside to the parking area. For those who prefer to walk, parking area is connected through a covered, elevated walkway with two long travelators. We have also provided buggies along the walkway. With these arrangements, we don’t foresee this move causing inconvenience to passengers,” the official added.
BIAL began levying an “overstay charge” on private vehicles from December 11 at Terminal 2 and December 13 at Terminal 1. Under the new system, private vehicles are allowed eight minutes of free access at arrival pick-up zones, after which a fee applies. Vehicles exceeding the maximum permitted waiting time risk being towed, along with fines and towing charges.
Commercial vehicles, including yellow-board taxis and electric cabs, are required to wait only in designated parking zones, with a short free parking window. Vehicles serving Terminal 1 have been directed to use parking areas such as P3 and P4, while those serving Terminal 2 must use P2.
This is the second attempt by BIAL to introduce such restrictions. In May 2024, strong protests from drivers and passengers, along with online backlash, forced the airport operator to suspend a similar proposal to levy entry fees for arrival pick-ups.
Also, read: Forced to walk 1.5 km with luggage, ‘overstay’ rules spark chaos at Bengaluru airport
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