Bhubaneswar: In what seems to be a major relief for drivers at pick-up and drop-off zones at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), the management has proposed to cancel the waiting charges for private vehicles from April 1.
In the existing ‘time-based fee car parking’ system, vehicles were charged up to Rs 55 for more than six minutes of parking on BPIA premises’ lanes. As per the new policy, vehicles, except commercial vehicles going to arrivals, pick-up or drop lanes will not be charged any parking, entry or access fee.
Detailing about the policy, Suresh Chandra Hota, BPIA director said, “For the convenience of the passengers we have decided to drop the charges. However, there will be a stipulated time for waiting and the owners will only be penalised if they leave their vehicles parked at the lanes for longer duration.”
Hota also stated that a lane-management programme will also be setup which is presently being managed by DGR guards. “The costing and the modus operandi will be planned soon and an automated system of determining the cars’ duration at the airport will be implemented but until then the benefit will be passed on to the people,” he said.
The new directive has come at the backdrop of Airport Authority of India (AAI) issuing new set of guidelines for the parking systems at the BPIA from December 10. The move is set to placate passengers who were reportedly miffed over the improper management of the airport car parking and misbehaviour of the parking staff.
On knowing about the new changes, citizens have lauded the move and termed it as a gradual step in making BPIA a people-friendly airport. “It’s glad to know that airport is dropping the waiting charges. There was a lot of confusion and inconvenience earlier, hopefully this will change with the new policy,” said Sandeep Chandra Mohapatra, a citizen here.