Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has inaugurated the new cab pick-up plaza at Chennai Airport. The ₹22.88 crore facility aims to reduce congestion and streamline passenger movement.

  • New cab pick-up plaza inaugurated at a cost of ₹22.88 crore.
  • Capacity to handle 28 vehicles simultaneously with 150 seating spaces.
  • T3 Terminal construction is on track for completion by April 2027.

After a two-year delay, the dedicated cab pick-up plaza at Chennai Airport was officially opened for passengers on Sunday morning. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, inaugurated the facility virtually, emphasizing its role in reducing congestion and streamlining vehicle movement at the busy terminal.

The new plaza, developed at a cost of ₹22.88 crore, is strategically located just 30 meters from the T1 Domestic Terminal. The facility features two dedicated pick-up lanes (Lane A and B) and one exit lane (Lane C). It is designed to handle 28 vehicles at a time and includes a seating area for up to 150 passengers waiting for their rides.

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Enhancing Passenger Experience

Minister Naidu highlighted that the project was a direct response to passenger feedback. Many travelers, particularly the elderly and families with young children or heavy luggage, previously had to trek to the multi-level car parking facility. "The moment you step out of the terminal, the cab is waiting for you," the Minister remarked, addressing the long-standing convenience issues.

In its initial phase, the plaza will cater to major ride-hailing services including Ola, Uber, Rapido, Fastrack, and Red Taxi, as well as prepaid taxis. The Ministry plans to eventually extend these privileges to all authorized commercial 'yellow board' vehicles.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that managing passenger flow in space-constrained airports like Chennai is critical for operational efficiency. By decentralizing the pick-up process, the airport mitigates the risk of traffic bottlenecks at the main terminal entrance.

This infrastructure upgrade is a vital step in transforming Chennai into a high-capacity aviation hub.

Looking toward the future, the Minister confirmed that the T3 Terminal is progressing steadily and is expected to be operational by April 2027. Once completed, the airport's annual capacity is projected to rise from 20 million to 35 million passengers. Furthermore, planning for a T5 Terminal is underway, which could eventually push the capacity to 55 million passengers per annum.

Did You Know?: The expansion of Chennai airport faces unique logistical challenges due to its location in the heart of the city and existing operational terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which taxi services can use the new plaza?
Currently, Ola, Uber, Rapido, Fastrack, and Red Taxi are permitted to use the facility.

2. When will the new T3 terminal be ready?
The T3 terminal is scheduled to be completed by April 2027.