Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru will start a new lane segregation system at the pick-up zones in front of Terminals 1 and 2 from December 8. This move by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) aims to cut traffic jams, improve safety, and make pick-ups smoother.

About 130,000 passengers use KIA daily, and nearly 100,000 vehicles pass through the airport roads. This creates congestion, especially in the drop-off and pick-up lanes.

The new system offers private cars 8 minutes of free waiting time in the arrival pick-up zones. If drivers stay beyond this, they will be charged ₹150 for 8-13 minutes and ₹300 for 13-18 minutes. Vehicles staying more than 18 minutes will be towed and fined.

Commercial vehicles like yellow taxis and electric cabs must wait only at designated parking areas. They get 10 minutes free parking: P4 and P3 for Terminal 1, and P2 for Terminal 2.

Hari Marar, MD & CEO of BIAL, said, "With passenger traffic continuing to rise, especially during the travel season, it becomes essential to maintain discipline at pick-up zones, not as enforcement, but as a way to protect travellers, ensure orderly movement, and strengthen trust in the system."

BIAL also warned against unauthorised cabs stopping outside arrival gates or on exit ramps. Such behaviour causes crowding, delays, and safety risks. Only authorised taxi services like Airport Taxi, Uber, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM electric cabs, and WTI cabs should be used.

Violating these rules may lead to fines for both drivers and passengers. The new measures aim to create a faster, safer, and more convenient airport experience for all.