Pune: An initiative has been taken by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to shift booths for pre-paid autorickshaws, commercial taxi and app-based taxi aggregators at Pune airport to Parking No II. The decision was taken to decongest the city side area and entry road to the Lohegaon airport giving relief to passengers.
“The area inside the premises was chaotic during peak hours. The pick-up zone of Ola and Uber are shifting to Parking No II. The commercial vehicles including auto-rickshaws are also shifting. The road behind the Parking No II is already being used. The vehicles will exit from parking to the newly constructed road which connects to the roads near Symbiosis College. This will reduce traffic congestion recurrent outside the airport,” said Ajay Kumar, Director Pune Airport.
Passengers using the cab services of Ola and Uber, will now have to walk to Parking No II.
“There will be enough space for the fliers to walk inside the premises,” said Kumar.
Dhairyashil Vandekar, aviation expert & analyst said, “Efforts are being made by AAI to reduce the clogging outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. I have been suggesting that with better space management and utilisation of city side area of the airport the traffic bottlenecks could be curbed. Shifting of the auto-rickshaw and cab pick-up/drop points will result in less traffic within the airport premises.”
“However, as passengers will require to walk to/ from Parking No II with their baggage, AAI must ensure a comfortable and unhindered walkway is made available which even senior citizens, differently abled and ladies can use easily while carrying baggage. The walkway needs to be secure, well-lit and covered to protect passengers from inclement weather like rains, summer sun etc.” he said.
