Earlier for almost 4 years the private car users lane was closed by Delhi International Airport Ltd., (DIAL) and all those who visited airport to pick up their relatives or friends were pushed into Multi Level Car Parking (MLCP), which was neither designed nor capable for handling such a huge crowd. Further, the problem was compounded by erratic parking by taxi drivers and other drivers, causing much of discomfort to those who followed discipline and also fot rthe passengers who were made to wait. Further, the MLCP was unsafe from fire safety point. Any small accident would have led to serious situation.
Apart from this, the signage too was improper, manya times the car drivers while approaching 1st level ended up on second level and that game of musical chairs started leading to levy of parking charges without any fault of the driver.
CHETNA took up this cause with all the concerned authorities and finally the private car lane was opened. DIAL devised an ingenious plan to milch the private car drivers by offering 6 to 8 minutes free and thereafter charging Rs.250 for 12 minutes and Rs.500 after 20 minutes. DIAL was clever enough to recover these charges through Fastag at the entry which records time and at the exist the charges are deducted. DIAL knew very well that during peak hour due to huge number of flights landing at Delhi Airport the number of cars to pick up passengers would be high consequently, there would be traffic jam, so each user would end up paying patrking charges without parking but due to congestion at the airport.
I noticed this malpractice on 21st December 2024, when my son’s car was struck in traffic jam after passing the boom barrier at the entry to private lane. It took him 10 minutes to reach the pole opposite to Metro Station and then another five minutes to pick up bagaged and passenger and then another five minutes to reach the exit point. He was charged R.500.00 because of commotion and traffic jam at the private car lane. Thus one can imagine how many car users must have been fleeced by DIAL under the garb of parking charges without actually parking.
I have raised the issue with Airport Authority of India, Buearu of Security Civil Aviation, Director General of Civila Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi Police as to how the free time of 6 to 8 minutes has been decided when DIAL is aware of huge congestion at peak times. A driver can get out of airport within 6 to 8 minutes during afternoon by driving car like at Formula Racing and pick up passenger and come out without paying any charge, which number is miniscule. The said complaint was followed up by another reminder but till date neither DIAL has responded nor the Joint Venture Partner.
I shall update you once the response is received from DIAL, AAI. By the way I have not seen such charges being levied at various international airports outside India.