Karnataka Driver Protest: Members of the Karnataka Drivers' Union on Tuesday staged a protest, condemning the recent change in pick-up locations at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, against the decision to change pick-up locations at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The agitation by the drivers held near the Sadahalli Gate toll plaza near the airport, condemning the recent change in pick-up locations at the Bengaluru airport.

The protest was organised under the leadership of G Narayanaswamy, founder and state president of the union.

Lathi Charge At Protesting Site

The protest led to chaos near the gate of one of the busiest airports. Police had to resort to mild lathi charge after protesting drivers attempted to block other taxis from entering the airport premises.

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What Protesters Said?

The protesters alleged that the revised pick-up arrangements at the airport have caused inconvenience to drivers as well as passengers, leading to congestion and operational difficulties. They also criticised the parking fee structure, claiming it places an unfair financial burden on drivers who depend on airport trips for their livelihood.

What Is The Airport Authorities' Stand

On the other side, the airport authorities, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), said in a statement that the new pick-up measures are designed to create a safer, smoother, and more predictable experience for passengers.

"At BLR Airport, passenger safety and convenience are our top priorities. With daily passenger and vehicle volumes continuing to rise, it became necessary to bring greater discipline and clarity to arrival pick-up areas to prevent congestion, unsafe halts, and confusion at the kerbside," it said in a statement.

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According to the BIAL statement, private vehicles have a dedicated pick-up lane with a generous free time window, while commercial vehicles operate from designated parking and supervised pick-up zones to ensure orderly movement.

"The airport will give eight minutes (much higher than international standards) of free use of the zone for all the users, beyond which there will be Rs 150 charges for overstay from 8-13 minutes and Rs 300 charges for 13-18 minutes. Any vehicle overstaying beyond 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station, and applicable fines and towing charges will be levied, it had stated

(With PTI inputs)