Bengaluru, January 09 (Karnataka Information):
In view of severe traffic congestion near the arrival gate of Terminal 1 (T1) at Kempegowda International Airport and the resulting passenger complaints, the Honourable Chief Secretary and the Chairman of BIAL visited the airport today to review the situation. Following the inspection, key decisions were taken to streamline traffic movement and enhance passenger convenience.
Traffic Management and Infrastructure
Lane Capacity:At present, the T1 arrival gate has four pickup curbs with a total of 12 lanes. While each lane has the capacity to handle 30 vehicles every 90 seconds, the simultaneous arrival of over 100 vehicles leads to delays of up to 10 minutes. Measures have been initiated to address and mitigate this congestion.
Valet Parking:
BIAL has agreed to introduce valet parking services for private vehicles parked in the P4 parking area, enabling vehicles to be brought to the arrival lane within four minutes. The timelines for this will be communicated later.
Multi-Level Parking:
BIAL has shared with me that the existing P4 parking facility, which currently has a capacity of 1,000 vehicles, will be converted into a multi-level parking facility in the future.
Vehicle Regulation and Discipline
No Honking Zone:
As per BCAS guidelines, parking is prohibited within 100 metres of the arrival gate. The Police Department has been instructed to declare this area a “No Honking Zone” and to take strict action against violations.
Private and Commercial Vehicles:
Free access will continue for private (white-board) vehicles, while commercial (yellow-board) vehicles will be permitted only within designated zones.
New Standards for Taxi and Aggregator Services
Pickup points for aggregator services, including Namma Yatri and Rapido, have been shifted from P1 and P2 to the P4 area.
KSTDC Registration:
Only vehicles that meet the prescribed safety and compliance standards—including mandatory police verification, RTO fitness certification, AIS-140 tracking, functional panic buttons, the Suraksha Mitra app, uniformed drivers, and clean vehicles—will be registered through KSTDC and allowed parking near the arrival gate. 900 permits have already been issued, with provisions to issue more if required.
Passenger Assistance and Transport Facilities:
Shuttle Services:
Inter-terminal and parking shuttle buses will operate every five minutes. In addition, six specially equipped vehicles with hydraulic facilities have been provided for senior citizens and wheelchair users.
Passenger Support:
A transport assistance desk has been set up to guide passengers. Twenty BIAL personnel have been deployed to assist with luggage, and new directional signage has been installed to ensure smooth and easy passenger movement.
