Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 15: Questions have been raised over the practice of collecting additional money from passengers using prepaid taxis at Veer Savarkar International Airport after a passenger alleged that he was asked to pay an extra Rs. 35 at the airport exit gate despite having already paid the prescribed prepaid taxi fare at the counter.
According to the passenger, he arrived at the airport and booked a prepaid taxi, after paying the amount specified on the prepaid taxi receipt. The receipt, dated October 14, 2026, shows a total payment of Rs. 260, including the fare and other listed charges. However, at the airport exit gate, the driver allegedly asked him to pay an additional Rs. 35 as toll charges at the Airport Exit Gate.
The passenger questioned why the additional amount was demanded at the exit gate when the taxi fare had already been paid at the prepaid counter. He expressed concern that passengers, including tourists arriving in the Islands, could face unnecessary inconvenience and confusion due to the lack of clarity regarding such charges.
The incident has raised questions about whether the airport exit or toll-related charges are included in the prepaid taxi fare or are payable separately. If such charges are to be borne by passengers, the relevant authorities should clearly specify this at the prepaid taxi counter and on the fare receipt. Alternatively, if the charges are applicable to taxi operators, they should be settled by the concerned operators in accordance with the applicable rules.
The passenger also expressed dissatisfaction with the response received when he attempted to seek clarification through the contact numbers available on the receipt. He claimed that the contact details provided did not help him resolve the issue, adding to his frustration.
The matter calls for clarification from the Airport Authority of India, the Traffic Police and the authorities responsible for managing the prepaid taxi counter and airport exit arrangements. They need to establish whether the additional Rs. 35 collection is authorised, who is legally responsible for paying the charge, and why the amount, if applicable to passengers, is not clearly disclosed before the journey begins.
Passengers using prepaid taxi services should not have to face arguments with drivers or gate staff over unexpected payments after completing the prescribed payment process. Clear instructions, transparent fare information and an effective grievance-redressal mechanism are essential to prevent disputes and protect the interests of the travelling public.
With tourism being an important sector for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, such incidents can also affect the first impression of visitors arriving at the destination. The authorities concerned are urged to investigate the allegation, issue a clear public clarification on the applicable charges and ensure that passengers are not subjected to avoidable harassment at the airport exit gate.
