The decision to allow five prepaid autorickshaws and five cabs to operate within Pune’s New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) has stirred up controversy, with Aeromall authorities raising concerns over congestion, mismanagement, and security risks. The move, approved by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, has sparked a debate on balancing accessibility with operational efficiency.
Aeromall Vice President Y S Rajput highlighted several key concerns, including space constraints and congestion at the terminal’s pick-up point. He warned that adding more vehicles would worsen overcrowding, as current services already compete for limited space. Additionally, Rajput expressed worries about inadequate security measures, with only a few CISF personnel and sporadic police patrolling.
The L V Antaral autorickshaw union, which has been pushing for this approval since 2022, defended the decision, citing mounting operational costs. They emphasized the financial burden imposed by Aeromall’s high charges, including monthly operational fees that have risen steadily over the years. The union also faced public perception challenges, with passengers complaining about overcharging.
To address these concerns, Aeromall authorities plan to engage with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to outline their issues and propose solutions. The goal is to balance accessibility and efficiency by ensuring efficient space utilization, enhanced security measures, and fair cost distribution for service providers.
While the inclusion of prepaid autos and cabs at Pune Airport’s new terminal aims to enhance passenger convenience, addressing Aeromall’s concerns through collaborative discussions with stakeholders will be crucial for ensuring smooth operations. The dialogue on balancing accessibility, efficiency, and security underscores the importance of finding a sustainable solution for all parties involved.
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