Bengaluru: After controversy erupted over shifting private and individual airport taxi operators to the P4 parking area of Terminal 1 of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), the operator of the KIA, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) is now exploring a new system to allow these vehicles access to the KSTDC airport taxi pick-up zone, which is located about 100 metres from the arrival point.According to officials, BIAL is working with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to use the latter’s mobile application platform to provide access to the pick-up zone. A trial run of the application began Tuesday. If the system is found to be feasible, drivers will have to register on the KSTDC platform and furnish passenger details along with the flight PNR to access the pick-up zone near the terminal. This would enable drivers to pick up passengers as they exit the arrival point. At present, these taxis were moved to P4, which is located around 800 metres from the arrival point of Terminal 1. BIAL is working on the new arrangement after holding meetings with driver unions that were agitating against the recent traffic management changes at KIA, as well as elected representatives. “BIAL, in collaboration with KSTDC, plans to launch a structured and digitised framework through which commercial cabs which don’t fall under the airport’s authorised network will be able to access the pick-up lanes at T1,” a BIAL spokesperson said.Echoing this, a senior KSTDC official said, “There is a proposal to use the KSTDC platform to provide access to pick-up lanes for drivers currently operating from P4. However, it is too early to comment on its feasibility. Once the trial run is completed, a decision will be taken based on the outcome and further discussions with BIAL.” The decision to move conventional airport taxis and private operators to P4 in Dec sparked criticism. Passengers complained about the difficulty of reaching the pick-up point with luggage and children. The state govt, which intervened in the matter, instructed BIAL to resolve the issue. However, some drivers remain sceptical about the proposed system. Ramesh H of the Bruhat Bengaluru Taxi Drivers’ Union said, “The proposed system will come at a cost to drivers as a third party is developing and maintaining the app. It is unclear how this will benefit over 20,000 drivers who were moved to P4. We are asking BIAL to create an arrangement that is convenient for both passengers and taxi operators, without placing any financial burden.”
