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Karnataka Drivers' Union has called for a taxi strike on Tuesday, December 16, after Bengaluru airport authorities introduced a range of new fines as a waiting charge to ease congestion. The strike is scheduled till 9 pm today.
Led by union president and founder G Narayanaswamy, many gathered near the Sadahalli Gate toll plaza near the airport to protest the new fines that charge ₹150 for 8–13 minutes wait and ₹300 for 13–18 minutes. Beyond this, any vehicle overstaying more than 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station.
"The action is being taken to protest the ongoing issues concerning passengers and taxi drivers caused by the Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL)," the union said in an announcement circulated the previous day.
PTI reported that police resorted to mild lathi charge as protesters attempted to block other taxis from entering the airport premises. At least two people confirmed to CNBC-TV18 that commuters were able to book cabs on ride-hailing app Rapido without any difficulty.
BIAL, which operates the Kempegowda International Airport, said the changes were introduced to ensure a safer experience for travellers and not intended to pocket more revenue.
"These systems are standard practice at leading global airports. This is not about enforcement or revenue generation. Our focus is on behaviour change, safety, and ensuring that pick-up zones remain available for genuine, quick boarding. We have rolled this out with extensive on-ground guidance, signage, and coordination with cab operators," BIAL said in a statement.
The airport operator said that the eight minutes of free wait time allotted is much higher compared to other international airports across the world.
Led by union president and founder G Narayanaswamy, many gathered near the Sadahalli Gate toll plaza near the airport to protest the new fines that charge ₹150 for 8–13 minutes wait and ₹300 for 13–18 minutes. Beyond this, any vehicle overstaying more than 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station.
"The action is being taken to protest the ongoing issues concerning passengers and taxi drivers caused by the Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL)," the union said in an announcement circulated the previous day.
#Bengaluru #police disperse taxi drivers & Kannada activists protesting against the new parking-related restrictions for pre-booked cabs at the #Kempegowda
International #Airport. Why are cabbies miffed, read????https://t.co/LsUbNccjOy @timesofindia pic.twitter.com/4L8C4Bd3pT
— TOI Bengaluru (@TOIBengaluru) December 16, 2025
PTI reported that police resorted to mild lathi charge as protesters attempted to block other taxis from entering the airport premises. At least two people confirmed to CNBC-TV18 that commuters were able to book cabs on ride-hailing app Rapido without any difficulty.
BIAL, which operates the Kempegowda International Airport, said the changes were introduced to ensure a safer experience for travellers and not intended to pocket more revenue.
"These systems are standard practice at leading global airports. This is not about enforcement or revenue generation. Our focus is on behaviour change, safety, and ensuring that pick-up zones remain available for genuine, quick boarding. We have rolled this out with extensive on-ground guidance, signage, and coordination with cab operators," BIAL said in a statement.
The airport operator said that the eight minutes of free wait time allotted is much higher compared to other international airports across the world.
