Mumbai: Social activists have opposed Mumbai International Airport Limited’s proposal for the introduction of User Development Fee (UDF) for domestic passengers. The activists have also objected to the proposal to increase UDF for international passengers, citing fundamental passenger inconvenience and infrastructure issues.
About The Proposal
On March 18, The Free Press Journal had reported that MIAL had put forth a proposal with the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA), suggesting a revision in aeronautical tariffs. Through the proposal, MIAL had suggested a UDF of Rs 325 for domestic passengers for the first time and an increase in UDF for international passengers from Rs 187 to Rs 650.
On Wednesday, social activists associated with the Watchdog Foundation wrote to AERA’s deputy chief objecting to the revision in UDF. Activists said that the proposal is unjustified, alleging exorbitant parking charges, encroachment of footpaths, unregulated touts soliciting passengers, delayed luggage arrival, and insufficient trolleys, among others.
About The Allegation
Watchdog Foundation alleged that due to steep parking charges at Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2), vehicles coming to receive passengers are forced to park almost 500 meters away on Andheri-Kurla Road and Church Road, Marol, causing inconvenience to commuters and unnecessary traffic congestion. It also alleged that Mumbai Airport does not provide a seamless free Wi-Fi facility to passengers like other international airports worldwide.
The activists also highlighted the delayed luggage arrival at the airport alleging that the baggage claim process is inefficient, with frequent complaints from passengers. It also added that there is a shortage of luggage trolleys at the airport, making it difficult for passengers, especially senior citizens and families, to carry their baggage conveniently.
Additionally, activists complained that while the road outside T2 lack footpaths, those with footpaths have also been encroached upon by MIAL and lack of designated taxi and rickshaw stands has resulted in haphazard parking outside the terminal, with touts actively soliciting passengers outside the airport for hotel accommodations and other services creating an unregulated and unsafe environment. Moreover it also added that the open plots around T2 are being commercially exploited for business activities instead of being used for airport-related infrastructure.
Watchdog Foundation strongly objected to MIAL’s proposal for an increase in UDF charges and urged AERA to reject it until significant improvements in passenger amenities and airport management are made.
Godfrey Pimenta, trustee of Watchdog Foundation, said, “It is evident that MIAL has failed to address fundamental passenger convenience and infrastructure issues. Imposing an additional financial burden on travellers under the pretext of infrastructure development is unwarranted when the existing facilities remain inadequate.“
