Taxi operators protest Rs 180 fine; strike called off after authorities reverse decision
CHOC-O-BLOCK: Queues of vehicles formed after angry taxi operators staged a flash protest against the two-minute pickup and drop-off rule at Mopa Airport on Wednesday.
PERNEM
The enforcement of a two-minute pickup and drop-off rule for passengers sparked off tension at the Manohar International Airport in Mopa on Wednesday.
According to reports, tension and chaos broke out when airport authorities decided to impose a fine of Rs 180 on vehicles if pickup/drop was not completed with 2 minutes.
Taxi operators were livid over the new system which imposes a fine of Rs 180 for exceeding the 2-minute time limit and protested at the airport, accusing the airport authorities of an unreasonable and sudden rule.
They complained that this 2-minute rule was impractical especially when they had to assist families, disabled or elderly passengers.
Angry taxi operators staged a flash protest and this led to queues of vehicles at the airport, leading to hardships and delays being faced by passengers.
A large police team was stationed at the site to resolve the issue and to avoid any untoward incident.
After some time, airport authorities discussed the matter with the taxi operators and later suspended the 2-minute rule, prompting the taxi operators to call off their strike.
