MIHAN India Limited (MIL), that operates Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, has become a mute spectator to blatant violation of parking rule near terminal building. Parking for pick-up is not allowed, but nobody listens and parks vehicle even in the emergency lane.

MIL introduced new parking system in 2017 where the lanes are marked. There is an emergency lane close to the terminal building where emergency vehicles -- ambulance or fire tender -- can move. After emergency zone there is a free drop area used only for departure -- free drop-off of passengers. Only vehicles with passengers with bonafide tickets are allowed to enter this area. Vehicles are not allowed to halt for more than 5 minutes in this zone. Vehicles for differently abled passengers are allowed free entry/exit into this area.

If there is old-age patient and if the people accompanying him or her inform the security then MIL don’t force the time limit on them. Such vehicles can enter for free picking up in the free drop zone.

There are some visitors who wait for passengers in the zone with their vehicles. For such persons, the MIL has marked Premium pickup and drop area. It is near the terminal building to facilitate premium pick-up and drop-off facility. Visitors intending to use this zone have to pay charges while entering this zone. Passenger can park the vehicle for first 15 minutes by paying Rs 200. For extra time availed, if any, additional premium charges will have to be paid while exiting this zone. After every 15 minutes, they will have to pay Rs 300. It is here the problem arises.

lies. People don’t want to pay, so they come with the car inside the terminal building and park the vehicle for picking up the passenger. This has been done blatantly. At entrance the guard asks, “Have you come for pick up?” People reply, “To drop.” Telling a lie, the driver moves forward, parks his vehicle inside terminal building and waits for guest(s). Here the driver can wait for as much time. There are boards on display ‘No pick up area’, ‘No Parking’. But nobody cares.

The emergency lane being nearest to airport building is absolutely perfect. But many VIPs (political leaders, persons from defence, businessmen and other influential persons) using this lane which should be strictly banned for any passenger use as now.

There is enough free drop area where VIP cars can wait for their esteemed guests. The area should only be used by security, ambulance, fire brigade and likewise.

V M Mulekar, Sr Airport Director of MIL said, “We have made rule so that no mishap take place. Secondly, too much vehicular movement can pose security threat. Thirdly, if any mishap takes place the traffic inside building area can become hurdle.”