Jaipur: Passengers using app-based and other commercial taxis to reach Jaipur airport are facing higher travel costs following the introduction of a Rs 50 airport access charge for commercial vehicles entering the terminal area to drop passengers. The new levy has added to concerns over the cost of airport travel, particularly for passengers taking short-distance journeys and frequent flyers. Passengers being picked up by taxis were already required to pay Rs 200 for airport access. To avoid the charge, several travellers prefer walking outside the airport premises before booking app-based cabs.
Jaipur Airport
Jaipur Airport
TOI spoke to passengers and taxi drivers Friday, with commuters saying the new charge was directly impacting fares.Aniket Bansal, who was travelling to Mumbai, said his cab fare had more than doubled. “I used to pay around Rs 60-70 for the airport. But today, an app-based taxi charged me Rs 140. When I enquired, the driver told me that he had to pay an additional Rs 50 as drop-off charge,” said Bansal, a resident of Jai Jawan Colony.He added that the airport should consider introducing a time-based system instead of charging commercial vehicles entering the terminal. “There should be some time limit for such charges. If a customer in taxi stays at the porch beyond the stipulated time, they can impose a charge,” he suggested.Taxi drivers said they too were facing passengers’ ire over higher fares. Hari Singh, an app-based taxi driver, said the additional cost was being passed on to customers. “Customers are now blaming us for the increased fares. If I have to pay Rs 50 as drop-off charge, I have no option but to pass the cost on to the customer,” he said.A Jaipur Airport spokesperson said airport access charges for commercial vehicles were an established practice at airports across India. “It is intended to support the upkeep of landside facilities and improve the overall passenger experience,” he added.The official also cited expenditure on security arrangements, electricity, infrastructure maintenance, traffic management personnel and facilities, besides amenities such as sanitation facilities for drivers and visitors using the terminal area.
