Karnataka Drivers' Union stage protest against BIAL over pick-up zones, parking fees
Bengaluru (PTI): Members of the Karnataka Drivers' Union on Tuesday staged a protest condemning the recent change in pick-up locations at Kempegowda International Airport here.
The protest was held near the Sadahalli Gate toll plaza near the airport under the leadership of G Narayanaswamy, founder and state president of the union.
Police resorted to mild lathi charge as protesters attempted to block other taxis from entering the airport premises.
The protesters alleged that the revised pick-up arrangements at the airport have caused inconvenience to drivers as well as passengers, leading to congestion and operational difficulties.
They also criticised the parking fee structure, claiming it places an unfair financial burden on drivers who depend on airport trips for their livelihood.
However, the Kempegowda International Airport, which is operated by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) said in a statement on Tuesday that the new pick-up measures are designed to create a safer, smoother, and more predictable experience for passengers.
"At BLR Airport, passenger safety and convenience are our top priorities. With daily passenger and vehicle volumes continuing to rise, it became necessary to bring greater discipline and clarity to arrival pick-up areas to prevent congestion, unsafe halts, and confusion at the kerbside," it said in a statement.
According to the BIAL statement, private vehicles have a dedicated pick-up lane with a generous free time window, while commercial vehicles operate from designated parking and supervised pick-up zones to ensure orderly movement.
"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," the statement added.
According to BIAL officials, as per the new lane segregation system, entry to the designated arrival pick-up zone in T1 and T2 will be free for all private cars (white board), however, there will be a charge for misusing or overstaying inside the zone beyond the prescribed time limits.
"The airport will give eight minutes (much higher than international standards) of free use of the zone for all the users, beyond which there will be Rs 150 charges for overstay from 8-13 minutes and Rs 300 charges for 13-18 minutes. Any vehicle overstaying beyond 18 minutes will be towed to the nearest police station, and applicable fines and towing charges will be levied, it had stated.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
