Pune Airport Implements Rs 500 Fine for Cars Halting Over 15 Minutes at New Terminal

Viman Nagar, 16th June 2025: In an effort to tackle mounting traffic congestion, Pune Airport has introduced a new rule penalizing private four-wheelers that remain stationary at the terminal for more than 15 minutes. Vehicles breaching the time limit will face a fine of ₹500, a measure that came into force following approval from the Airports Authority of India’s Delhi headquarters.

Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said the regulation targets a recurring issue of vehicles halting for extended periods outside the terminal, leading to traffic bottlenecks and inconvenience for passengers.

“Congestion at the terminal entrance has become a major problem. Many drivers park their cars for longer than necessary, causing significant disruption. This time-bound restriction and the associated fine are necessary to improve traffic flow and reduce delays,” Dhoke stated.

To enforce the rule, a dedicated traffic management squad has been deployed on-site. The team will actively monitor vehicle movements, identify violations, and issue penalties on the spot. Authorities hope the enforcement will bring discipline to the terminal’s access lanes and prevent misuse of the waiting area.

Frequent travellers have largely welcomed the move. A regular commuter said, “This step is long overdue. I’ve often encountered delays due to traffic snarls at the terminal. Strict enforcement will make airport pickups and drop-offs much smoother.”

This policy is part of a broader initiative to enhance airport operations, security, and infrastructure as passenger traffic at Pune Airport continues to rise post-pandemic. Authorities have urged the public to coordinate their arrivals and departures more efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays near the terminal.

The 15-minute allowance is considered sufficient for standard passenger movement, and the ₹500 fine is intended to serve as a deterrent. Similar traffic management systems are already in place at several major airports across India, and Pune’s adoption of the rule is seen as a step towards aligning with national best practices for airport efficiency.