Visitors paying for parking at the city airport in cash will now have to shell out an additional Rs 100 over the standard parking fee. The new rule means higher charges for those dropping off or picking up passengers if they choose cash instead of digital payment.
The decision has caused confusion among many visitors, though airport authorities say it is aimed at encouraging digital transactions. The airport currently operates over 250 domestic and international flights daily and sees more than 35,000 passengers every day. Parking charges are Rs 50 for 30 minutes for two-wheelers and Rs 150 per hour for cars when paid digitally.
With cash payment, however, the charges rise to Rs 150 for two-wheelers and Rs 250 for cars. Several visitors have voiced their displeasure over the move.
Pragnesh Dave from Maninagar, who came to drop a friend at the airport, questioned the logic behind the rule. “Whether we pay in cash or digitally, what difference does it make? This extra charge is unfair,” he said.
Airport officials explained that cash transactions take longer to process, and the policy was introduced to speed up operations by promoting digital payments. They added that the rule has been in effect for some time.