Pune Airport to Enforce Time-Bound Vehicle Entry and Exit to Reduce Congestion
Pune airport is preparing to introduce a time-bound entry and exit system for vehicles to reduce traffic congestion at its premises. Under the proposed plan, vehicles will get a window of 10 to 12 minutes to drop off passengers and exit. Any delay beyond this time limit will attract a penalty, airport officials confirmed.
Why the New System is Being Introduced
Airport director Santosh Dhoke said that the measure has been proposed to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is likely to be implemented from next month. “We are expecting the approval soon. This step is necessary to reduce congestion on the airport premises,” he said. The fine amount will be decided by the AAI.
At present, only private vehicles are allowed to enter the premises to pick up passengers. Cabs and autorickshaws are restricted to drop-offs, and a fine of ₹300 is imposed if they are caught picking up passengers. Officials pointed out that many private vehicles occupy space for longer than necessary, especially during the evenings, creating long queues from the departure to the arrival area.
Previous Attempts and Current Challenges
This is not the first time Pune airport has tried to implement such a system. Similar measures in 2016 and 2019 were withdrawn after protests from passengers and vehicle owners. However, authorities say congestion has worsened with the increasing number of flyers. On average, Pune airport records nearly 30,000 passenger movements daily.
Officials also noted that private vehicle owners often argue with traffic wardens and refuse to move their cars. This leads to further delays, even for buses transporting passengers to the AeroMall. “Earlier, buses had to wait due to cars blocking the way. Now we have created an express lane for buses,” said YS Rajput, vice-president of AeroMall.
Flyers’ Concerns
Frequent flyers have also voiced frustration about the situation. Ramesh Kumar, a regular traveler, said, “The arrival area is always chaotic in the evenings and at night. Private vehicles and cabs are parked everywhere, blocking the roads. People spend lakhs to buy a car but hesitate to pay for AeroMall parking.”
The proposed time-bound entry and exit system is aimed at addressing these complaints. Once implemented, authorities hope it will streamline traffic and improve passenger convenience at Pune airport.
