The Chhattisgarh RTI Activists Association, led by President Sanjay Thakur, has levelled serious allegations against the recently implemented parking terms at Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur. Describing the conditions as oppressive, Thakur alleged that the terms were designed to deter common citizens from using air travel, contradicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making aviation accessible to all, including those in ‘hawai chappals’. He has called upon

 

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to annul the contract immediately. Thakur highlighted several controversial terms, including barring motorcycles and auto-rickshaws from accessing the terminal. Passengers using such vehicles must now alight half a kilometre away and carry their luggage on foot. Thakur questioned the practicality of this policy, especially during extreme weather conditions, and its impact on elderly and differently-abled passengers. Further, night parking terms require car owners to submit photocopies of their driving licences, vehicle registration certificates, and even their car keys to the parking management.

 

Thakur criticised this, pointing out the absence of photocopying facilities at the airport and the potential misuse of vehicles in the owners’ absence. Additionally, the new rules impose a Rs 100 fee for premium cars, though no clear definition or list of such vehicles has been provided. Thakur demanded transparency in this classification. He also expressed concern over the five-minute limit for dropping off or picking up passengers, arguing that increasing traffic at the airport necessitates a minimum of seven minutes. He accused the airport management of reducing this time solely to benefit the contractor financially. Finally, Thakur questioned the enforcement of penalties, alleging that while ordinary citizens are fined ?500 for violations, VIP and government vehicles are often exempt. He demanded a public disclosure of penalties collected from such violators. Thakur called for the immediate cancellation or revision of the contract, urging the airport management to incorporate policies prioritising passenger convenience and fairness.