The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is shelling out close to ₹1 crore every year to two private agencies for operating buggy services at Chennai International Airport. This significant expenditure, revealed through an RTI query, has sparked criticism as passengers continue to face severe inconvenience after the relocation of the cab pick-up point in July 2024.
The Costly Buggy Solution
In response to public outrage over moving the pick-up zone from the convenient flag mast area to the multi-level parking lot, AAI introduced buggies to ferry passengers. According to the RTI details obtained by mobility activist Dayanand Krishnan, the authority has contracts with two operators. While the contract with Maini Materials Pvt Ltd ended on December 9, 2024, two other agreements with TRI Electric Pvt Ltd remain valid until 2029.
TRI Electric currently deploys 56 drivers to operate 16 buggies round-the-clock. The operational cost is staggering, with each buggy costing over ₹1 lakh per month. This includes a monthly salary of approximately ₹35,000 for every driver.
Passenger Woes and Unnecessary Expenditure
Activist Dayanand Krishnan slammed the expenditure as completely avoidable. "There was zero cost incurred by AAI when cabs picked up passengers from the flag mast near Terminal 1. It was far more convenient for arriving passengers," he stated. He emphasized that the pick-up point was shifted to the multi-level parking lot without seeking public opinion, and passengers still struggle to reach there.
The problems for travelers are manifold:
- Long and uncertain waits for the buggies.
- Unfriendly behavior from some operators.
- Lack of adequate space for luggage on the buggies.
- Cramped and often dirty lifts connecting different floors of the parking lot.
These issues have led to a flood of complaints on social media, where flyers share their unpleasant experiences. One recent viral video highlighted the poor condition of crowded lifts with no room for luggage trolleys, questioning the state of a major international airport in a state capital.
Airport's Response and Future Plans
Airport officials defended the contracts, stating they were signed to address passenger needs after the pick-up area was moved. They revealed a plan to shift the cab pick-up area closer to the flag mast near the Terminal 1 (T1) building soon. Once this new point becomes operational, passengers will be able to board vehicles directly in front of T1.
The multi-level parking area will then function as an additional pick-up point. An official added that the buggy contracts can be terminated on short notice when the service is no longer required. However, with the contracts legally binding until 2029, the annual crore-rupee expense is set to continue for now, even as ordinary passengers bear the brunt of an inconvenient system.
