ONI Bureau: While replying to a question put up by Rajya Sabha MP Prasanna Acharya, MoS Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha informed the House that the concept of free time limit (6 minutes) at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, has been removed with effect from December 10, 2018.
As per the new vehicle parking policy, vehicles (except commercial vehicles going to arrivals) going to pick-up/drop lanes will not be charged any parking/entry/access fee, said the Minister.
The parking/entry fee and free time limit concept at the Bhubaneswar Airport have been drawing flak for years with passengers claiming harassment and unauthorized collection of parking fee.
Former MP Baijayant Panda also led the charge and complained to Civil Aviation Ministry several times in the past about the parking hassles at the Bhubaneswar Airport. That prompted Minister Jayant Sinha to direct the Bhubaneswar Airport authorities to take steps to streamline the parking process.
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