Pune: Airport to Implement Time-Bound Entry System to Reduce Congestion

Pune Airport is set to introduce a time-regulated pick-up and drop-off system for private vehicles to ease congestion on its premises. Vehicles exceeding the permitted time limit will face penalties, authorities confirmed.

Airport director Santosh Dhoke stated that prolonged parking by private vehicles near arrival and departure zones has worsened traffic snarls. “Despite having wardens, congestion persists. We will time vehicle entries and impose fines if they overstay,” he said. The exact duration and penalty amounts are yet to be finalized.

AeroMall’s YS Rajput highlighted the severity of the issue, revealing that at least 10 violators are fined ₹500 daily during peak hours. “Many drivers claim they’ll move soon but linger, blocking lanes,” he added.

Previously, the airport enforced a 3-minute rule (2019) with a ₹340 fine and a 7-minute limit (pre-2016) with an ₹85 penalty. Currently, cabs can only drop passengers, while private vehicles handle both pick-ups and drop-offs.

Frequent flyers urged stricter enforcement, citing chaos during peak hours and blocked bus lanes. One of them emphasized, “The old system worked—authorities must set fair timings to ensure justified fines.”