AAI Penalizes Surat Airport Parking Contractor 

Surat : In response to a report highlighting corrupt practices and passenger exploitation at Surat International Airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken decisive actions against the parking contractor. Following complaints of traffic mismanagement and overcharging, AAI has imposed daily fines and enforced stricter regulations to address the ongoing issues.

The controversy surrounding the parking contractor at Surat International Airport has led to swift action from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). After a report published by The Blunt Times exposed corruption and malpractice, the AAI has imposed a daily penalty of ₹4,380 on the contractor for the non-functionality of key automated parking systems, including RFID readers and FASTag collections. This move follows increasing complaints from passengers about traffic congestion and improper handling of parking services.

The original complaint, filed on August 15, 2024, and brought to the attention of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, flagged several major issues with the airport’s parking system. The complaint included instances of delays caused by poor traffic management, excessive charging, and the contractor’s failure to maintain automated parking solutions.

Government’s Response:

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in coordination with the Department of Administrative Reforms, has provided a detailed response to the grievances raised. They emphasized that corrective measures have been set in motion to resolve the concerns of passengers and improve the overall experience at Surat International Airport.

AAI clarified that the location of Excess Time Charge Booths aligns with its vehicle policy and is strategically positioned at the airport’s exit. This placement is intended to maintain a smooth traffic flow while ensuring fair collection of excess time charges.

To address traffic congestion during peak hours, AAI has instructed the parking contractor to increase staff deployment. This measure is expected to alleviate delays, improve traffic control, and enhance the overall efficiency of the parking process.

Automated Solutions and Improved Transparency:

A significant aspect of AAI’s action is the upcoming implementation of a fully automated parking system at Surat Airport. The new system, which incorporates FASTag payment solutions, is designed to expedite vehicle clearance and reduce waiting times for passengers. With this system in place, vehicles can be processed more efficiently, minimizing delays and congestion at the exit.

In addition to this, AAI has taken steps to improve transparency for passengers regarding parking fees. New, highly visible parking tariff and excess time charge boards have been installed, ensuring that passengers are well-informed about applicable charges and reducing the potential for overcharging.

Penalties and Monitoring:

On August 15, 2024, AAI also levied a penalty of ₹5,000 on the parking contractor for not adhering to uniform standards and instances of overcharging passengers. These fines serve as a warning to ensure that the contractor abides by the terms of the vehicle parking contract and maintains a higher level of service.

AAI is closely monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with its guidelines and policies. The authority remains committed to enforcing penalties whenever contract conditions are violated, as part of its broader goal to ensure passenger convenience and uphold the integrity of its operations.