Mumbai: Members of the Shiv Sena led by MLC Anil Parab on Tuesday staged a protest at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport demanding that the operator withdraw the ‘illegal toll’ being levied on the vehicles coming to the airport.
Earlier, Mr. Parab had written to the GVK authorities threatening the airport to face an agitation by the party if it did not withdraw the toll of ₹130 per vehicle. However, an airport official said the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) has not received any such letter.
“I objected to the parking fee collection. The toll is causing distress as all vehicles that come to the airport do not stop there,” Mr. Parab told The Hindu .
Meanwhile, the MLC warned of a ‘Shiv Sena style’ protest if the MIAL did not withdraw the levy.
Following the protest, the Mumbai Police have beefed up the security at the toll plaza and directed the airport to ensure the security and safety of passengers.
Airport officials denied that they are levying a toll. “This money is being charged on commercial vehicles because they contribute to traffic congestion at the airport. They often wait indefinetely to pick up passengers and thus block the smooth flow of traffic.”
