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3mo ago

Bengaluru Airport Taxi Strike Disrupts Access as Drivers Protest New Pickup Rules

Police intervention at the Sadahalli toll prompted a temporary stand‑down after unions challenged the 8‑minute curbside limit that BIAL says improves safety.

The Karnataka Drivers’ Union demanded an immediate rollback, citing increased congestion and unfair fees, while the Bengaluru airport officials defended the changes as necessary for passenger safety.
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Overview

  • BIAL’s phased policy gives private cars eight minutes free at arrival kerbs, then charges Rs 150 for 8–13 minutes and Rs 300 for 13–18, with towing for longer overstays.
  • Commercial yellow‑board taxis are barred from the kerbside and redirected to P3/P4 at Terminal 1 and P2 at Terminal 2, with the first 10 minutes of parking free.
  • Taxi unions staged a strike on Tuesday, blocking the Sadahalli toll and causing delays to Kempegowda International Airport as police used a mild lathi charge and detained some protesters.
  • The protest was called off after talks led by DCP (Northeast) Sajeeth V J, though unions warned of further agitation if the rules are not eased or rolled back.
  • BIAL defended the system as safety‑driven and standard at major airports, citing most passengers’ comfort and promising refinements over the next 30 days, while travelers reported long walks of up to 1–1.5 km to reach pickup points.