MP holds discussions with BIAL officials on new parking rules

K. Sudhakar, MP for Chickballapur, on Tuesday held a meeting with senior officials of the Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) and urged them to allow private taxi drivers to continue parking facilities as earlier at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and to frame appropriate rules to ensure their livelihood is not adversely affected.

Following a representation by taxi drivers’ associations, Dr. Sudhakar convened a meeting with representatives of the drivers and airport authorities.

He pointed out that while app-based aggregators charge fares in the range of ₹1,200–1,500, local private taxi drivers often offer services at significantly lower rates.

“Passengers should have the freedom to choose their preferred service provider. Aggregators are present everywhere, and the final choice must rest with the customer,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by airport officials about congestion, he suggested that parking space could be made available to private taxi drivers by levying a nominal user fee, ensuring orderly access without overcrowding.

He added that 18,000 to 20,000 youth from Chickballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Tumakuru districts, and neighbouring regions earn their livelihood through taxi services at the airport. Close to one lakh family members are dependent on this occupation.

He said that many private taxi drivers have been serving airport passengers for the last 15–20 years, building long-standing relationships with regular travellers and providing affordable, reliable services.

He added that Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy would be holding discussions on the matter. The MP said, if necessary, the issue would be taken up with Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu for further deliberation.