Aeromall objects to permits for private auto, cabs to operate inside new terminal building

Following the recent decision by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol to allow five prepaid autorickshaws and five cabs to operate at the airport, Aeromall raised objections claiming it would increase congestion.

Following the recent decision by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol to allow five prepaid autorickshaws and five cabs to operate at the airport, Aeromall raised objections claiming it would increase congestion. (Express Photo)

The Pune Aeromall authority has raised concerns over the permits granted to the private autorickshaw and cab union to operate inside the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB), citing mismanagement and security issues.

Y S Rajput, Vice President of Aeromall, expressed concern about the existing shortage of space at the terminal’s pick-up point, stating that this move would create further overcrowding. “Uber already operates a selective service for passengers, along with Sainath prepaid and other private services. Airports generally ensure minimal waiting times for taxis and autorickshaws for pick-up and drop off, but Pune airport lacks such a system,” he said.

Rajput also highlighted security concerns, pointing out the inadequate presence of security forces. “Currently, only a couple of CISF personnel are deployed at the terminal, and local police come and go for patrolling. There’s not enough dedicated security system from the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Many vehicles enter and leave without any scrutiny, which poses a significant security risk. This leaves us to manage the system,” he added.

The L V Antaral autorickshaw union, which received permission to operate at the terminal, had been awaiting this approval for the past two years. In 2022, they submitted a request to Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during his visit to Pune for the inauguration of Aeromall.

Prakash Rajguru, a member of the LV Antaral Sangathana, emphasized the high operational costs the union incurs. “We pay more than Rs 1 lakh per month to Aeromall as operational charges. Each year, the cost increases by around Rs 15,000. In 2023, we paid RS 1.20 lakh per month, which rose to Rs 1.35 lakh this year, and it will increase to Rs 1.50 lakh in 2025. Additionally, we are charged RS 15 per trip for entry into the Aeromall parking area,” he explained.

Rajguru further said, “We face mounting expenses with no corresponding benefits. People accuse us of overcharging passengers, but our concerns about the operational costs need to be addressed.”

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Responding to the issues, Rajput said they would convene a meeting with AAI to present their concerns.

Shubham Tigga

Shubham Tigga is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, presently based in Pune, where he covers the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the modern economy. His reporting focuses on civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers' unions, providing critical insights into how transit and commercial sectors impact the daily lives of citizens. Expertise & Background Before moving to Pune, he reported extensively from his home state of Chhattisgarh, where he focused on Indigenous (Adivasi) issues, environmental justice, and grassroots struggles in mainland India. This experience gives him a unique lens through which he analyzes the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities. Academic Foundation He is an alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and ethical journalism. His academic training, combined with his field experience in Central India, allows him to navigate complex socio-economic landscapes with nuance and accuracy. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More

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