SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has voiced strong opposition to the recent changes in the airport parking policy at Srinagar Airport, describing them as arbitrary and burdensome.
According to KCCI, the new system has led to increased inconvenience and harassment for tourists, travelers, and locals.
In a communication addressed to the Airport Authority of India (AAI), KCCI highlighted the issues caused by the new vehicle entry and parking system, which was introduced at Srinagar Airport some time ago. The Chamber reminded the AAI Director of the meeting held on August 5, 2024, where these concerns were thoroughly discussed. The meeting had addressed the arbitrary charges and the difficulties faced by both commercial and private vehicles under the new system.
Following the meeting, KCCI convened again on August 6, 2024, seeking the intervention of the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, who assured his support in resolving the controversy. KCCI initially believed that the matter of multiple entry and parking charges had been partially resolved, with assurances that the remaining issues related to entry, parking, and exit would be addressed after the Independence Day celebrations.
However, despite these assurances, KCCI reports that the situation has worsened. The Chamber has received numerous complaints from commercial operators and private travelers about the unjustified and arbitrary charges being imposed. The KCCI has reiterated its demand for the immediate removal of the newly installed toll post, which it claims has led to long waits and traffic jams, causing significant inconvenience to tourists, business travelers, and locals alike.
KCCI expressed concern that the new policy is damaging the region’s reputation, especially as tourism activity has only recently revived after many years of stagnation. The Chamber also noted that no similar system exists elsewhere in the country, and the toll post’s location beyond the parking area is unprecedented and baffling.
KCCI has warned that if the issue of drop time is not reviewed, commercial transporters may be forced to stop their services beyond Gate No. 1/Security Check Gate. Local travelers have expressed similar concerns. The Chamber emphasized that the principle of “One Nation, One Policy” should apply uniformly across India, and the introduction of a different parking policy in Kashmir is both discriminatory and undesirable.
The KCCI demands the immediate withdrawal of the newly introduced policy and the restoration of the previous system. The Chamber has warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, the new policy will be perceived as a “Kashmir Entry Cess.” Despite these concerns, KCCI remains hopeful that the issue will be resolved at the earliest.
KCCI opposes new airport parking policy at Srinagar airport
