AAI calls for better cab management at airport

Kolkata: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has urged the Bidhannagar City Police to regulate and streamline the movement of yellow taxis and the app cabs to reduce the waiting time of passengers, after they land at Kolkata Airport.

The Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) meeting of Kolkata Airport was held on Monday, under the chairmanship of MP Saugata Roy and was convened by Atul Dikshit, Airport Director.

"The drivers of yellow taxis have a tendency to take over the entire pick up lane at the airport arrival level, resulting in congestion and passengers booking an app cab have to wait for a long time. These yellow taxis flout rules and invade the portion of the lane meant for Uber and Ola cabs, to block their way.

It may be mentioned that the AAI had hired ex-defence personnel to manage traffic, but as they don't have the authority to prosecute, no taxi driver pays heed to them, an official pointed out.

The meeting was attended by representatives of AAI, Airlines, CISF, Bidhannagar Police and representatives of several municipalities around the airport.

"Our discussion dealt with issues regarding development of Kolkata Airport, including improvement in passenger facilities and amenities," Dikshit said.

The AAI proposed a flyover of around 2.8 km length from Kaikhali to Nagerbazar, to decongest traffic congestion in and around the airport. Sources in the AAI said that Roy had assured to take up the matter with the concerned department and make arrangements for feasibility study in this regard.

"Traffic management, widening of Kaikhali-VIP Road, improvement of drainage system, beautification of approach road to airport and most importantly, bird and animal hazard management in operational area of the airport, were also discussed in length in the meeting," a spokesperson of Kolkata Airport said.

The airport director updated the members of AAC about the enhancement in revenue due to increased commercial facilities at the airport, shopping & retail experience of passengers and improvement in ambience and cleanliness of the airport building.