If you plan to leave from Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport here in an app-based taxi, be prepared to cough up ₹150 more.
Starting Wednesday, the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) introduced an entry fee of ₹150 for all commercial vehicles entering the arrival forecourt area of the terminal.
In a tight spot
This means that any vehicle with a commercial number plate, including app-based cab services that are preferred by many passengers, will have to shell out an extra ₹150.
The burden of the fees is likely to be borne by passengers.
Taxis will also be towed away or have their tyres clamped if they exceed the time limit of eight minutes allowed at the terminal, a DIAL spokesperson said.
An airport official said the move was aimed at bringing app-based cabs and other taxis on a par with radio cabs and kaali-peeli taxis that have stands near the terminal as per their tie-up with DIAL. These taxis pay a parking charge of ₹120 to DIAL.
DIAL, however, said the decision had been taken de-congest the forecourt area of the arrival terminal.
“The fee is not a parking charge but a deterrence for unauthorised parking by commercial vehicles at the terminal. The move will curb overcrowding, and will ensure smooth movement of traffic and safety of passengers. Such a practice is prevalent in many airports across India and other countries,” the spokesperson said.
Curbing touting nuisance
“The move will also put an end to touting nuisance at the airport. The airport has enough parking facilities, which drivers should be encouraged to use,” he added.
