A new lane segregation system at the pick-up zone in front of the Kemepgowda International Airport’s (KIA) two terminals will come into effect from December 8.
The enhanced pick-up measures will be introduced to streamline passenger movement, reduce congestion, and improve safety, discipline, and overall convenience at arrival areas in Bengaluru airport.
The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the KIA, India’s third-largest airport, said that the airport serves approximately 130,000 passengers every day. A daily volume of roughly 100,000 vehicles traversing the airport’s road network places significant strain on its landside facilities, particularly the kerbside (drop-off and pick-up lanes) in front of the terminals.
In response, the BIAL is reviewing and refining its processes to enhance the passenger experience, ease congestion and align with evolving needs and safety standards.
According to BIAL, prolonged waiting by private cars and cabs creates artificial congestion, hindering traffic flow and inconveniencing passengers and drivers. To address this and to improve the passenger experience, BIAL is introducing a lane segregation system to enforce discipline, prevent unauthorised parking, and reduce dwell times. This is expected to ease kerbside congestion and deter misuse of the pick-up zone in front of the terminals.
For private cars
As per the new lane segregation system, entry to the designated arrival pick-up zone in T1 and T2 will be free for all private cars (white board). However, there will be a charge for misusing or overstaying inside the zone beyond the prescribed time limits.
“The airport will give eight minutes (much higher than international standards) of free use of the zone for all the users beyond which there will be ₹150/- charges for overstay from 8-13 minutes, and ₹300/- charges for 13-18 minutes. Any vehicle overstaying beyond 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station, and applicable fines and towing charges will be levied,” BIAL stated.
Commercial vehicles
All commercial vehicles, including yellow board taxis and electric cabs, are required to wait for passengers only at the designated parking zones. To facilitate a seamless pick-up experience, the first 10 minutes of parking will be complimentary. Commercial vehicles arriving at Terminal 1 should proceed to the P4 and P3 parking zones, while those serving Terminal 2 are directed to the P2 parking zone.
“With passenger traffic continuing to rise, especially during the travel season, it becomes essential to maintain discipline at pick-up zones, not as enforcement, but as a way to protect travellers, ensure orderly movement, and strengthen trust in the system. When passengers and cab operators follow the designated process, the experience becomes quicker, safer and more convenient for everyone involved. We look forward to the support of all stakeholders in making the airport experience seamless and well organised,” Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL said.
Unauthorised cabs
BIAL said that, in recent months, KIA has observed increasing instances of halts by unauthorised cabs, vehicles waiting outside arrival gates and exit ramps, or engaging in roadside pick-ups.
“These behaviours often result in crowding, passenger inconvenience, and avoidable delays, while also posing safety risks and disrupting traffic flow. To ensure a smoother, and passenger-friendly experience, travellers and cab operators are encouraged to use only designated pick-up points and authorised aggregators such as Airport Taxi, Uber, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM electric cabs, and WTI cabs,” BIAL stated.
It added that any deviation, including halting in unauthorised areas, blocking lanes, or overstaying beyond the permitted waiting duration, will attract fines, applicable to both cab operators and individuals found in violation.
Published – December 02, 2025 11:35 am IST
