Rs 20,000 for cab ride at Mumbai airport?

Mumbai: Fliers taking a taxi to reach their private aircraft at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai will have to pay hefty bills, thanks to privatisation.
As per new security measures after 26/11, only vehicles approved by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) can ply inside the airport. These vehicles are run by private operators.
The minimum fare to hire a taxi via Gate No 8 at Kalina (old airport) is above Rs 5,000. That's more than the fare to New Delhi on a scheduled airline. For instance, flying a C-90, the smallest six-seater private aircraft, costs around Rs 60,000 for an hour. The six passengers will need two Mercedes (each accommodates three passengers) at a cost of Rs 10,000 per taxi.
The distance between Gate No 8 and the aircraft hangar is between 500 m and 1 km.
"This could be the highest in India," said an airport official, who requested anonymity.
A month ago, there were no charges for private vehicles entering the VIP gate.
On the other hand, at the Juhu aerodrome, entry of private vehicles has been prohibited after 26/11. And passengers are not charged anything extra for vehicles provided.
"MIAL charges exorbitant fare in the absence of low-cost cars," said Ameya Gore of Airnetz Charter, a firm that provides booking service for chartered flights.
14/04/10 Mid-Day.com/NDTV.com

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Categories: Airports Apr 2010