Sheekha Bureau
Sri Vijaya Puram. Aug 10: Questions have once again been raised over the manner in which parking charges are being collected at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram, after a vehicle owner today was allegedly asked to pay an amount higher than the applicable general parking charge.
The vehicle had reportedly been parked in the general parking area of the airport. However, at the time of exit, the parking staff allegedly demanded Rs. 120 as the parking fee. When the vehicle owner questioned the amount and pointed out that the vehicle had been parked in the general parking area, the demand was reportedly reduced to around Rs. 60.
The incident was personally experienced today by a vehicle being used by Andaman Sheekha, which had been parked in the general parking area. The newspaper’s representative questioned the demand for Rs. 120, following which the amount sought by the parking staff was reportedly reduced. The incident has raised questions about whether passengers are being consistently charged according to the officially prescribed parking tariff.
Andaman Sheekha has previously also reported complaints from members of the public alleging similar experiences at the airport parking area. Many vehicle owners may choose to pay the amount demanded rather than engage in an argument or risk a delay while leaving the airport. However, when the amount demanded changes after being questioned, the practice warrants verification by the concerned authorities.
A major concern is the need for clear and prominent information regarding general and premium parking charges. The applicable rates and conditions should be displayed prominently at the parking entry and exit points so that passengers can clearly understand the amount payable.
Vehicle owners should also be informed about whether their vehicle has been parked under the general or premium parking category before the parking fee is demanded. Such transparency would help prevent confusion and unnecessary disputes between passengers and parking staff.
The issue assumes significance as Veer Savarkar International Airport caters to a large number of passengers and vehicle owners every day. Any discrepancy between the officially approved parking tariff and the amount demanded from passengers should be capable of being verified through receipts, CCTV footage, parking records and the contractor’s collection records.
Andaman Sheekha attempted to contact the Airport Director of the Airports Authority of India to seek a response regarding today’s incident and the parking fee collection system. However, no response was received at the time of publication.
The Airport Director and the concerned authorities should verify today’s incident and examine whether the parking staff attempted to collect any amount beyond the officially prescribed tariff. If any unauthorised collection is established following verification, appropriate action should be taken against those responsible in accordance with the applicable rules and contractual conditions.
A prominently displayed official tariff, clear identification of general and premium parking categories, and proper receipts for every transaction would provide greater transparency and help ensure that passengers are charged exactly the amount prescribed by the authorities.
