Pune airport introduces express lane for feeder buses

Pune has introduced an express lane for feeder buses to improve travel time for passengers arriving at the airport. This change aims to solve issues caused by improper parking of private vehicles near the arrival and departure areas, especially in the evenings. The new lane opened earlier this week, providing better access for three buses that take passengers from the airport to AeroMall. YS Rajput, vice-president of AeroMall, stated that previous parking habits delayed the buses. He emphasized the need for quicker transport as all flights shifted to the new terminal on March 5. Rajput discussed the ongoing problem with illegal parking. He mentioned that fines are often issued, but some drivers leave their engines running while waiting. This behavior complicates efforts to keep the bus lanes clear. Previously, a rule allowed fines for vehicles parked longer than 3-4 minutes. However, current regulations have limited private vehicles’ access to the airport, allowing only drop-offs and requiring them to exit. Many passengers have expressed frustration with the delays at the airport. One regular flyer, Abhinandan Pandey, noted that waiting for buses and cabs often takes longer than the flight itself. Another passenger, Samyak Masulkar, shared that after a flight, he faced long waits for luggage and a cab. Airport officials have acknowledged the parking issues and stated they are working to enforce rules in cooperation with AeroMall. However, Pune airport director Santosh Dhoke could not be reached for further comments.