IT News
Imphal, March 28:
Passengers at Imphal Bir Tikendrajit International Airport have raised serious concerns over alleged overcharging and irregularities in parking fee collection. Many have accused parking attendants of demanding excessive fees beyond the prescribed rates, causing confusion and frustration among travelers.
A formal complaint was lodged by the Editor of this newspaper with the Airport Director, detailing his personal experience of being charged Rs. 50 instead of the official Rs. 40 rate while exiting the parking area. His complaint highlighted that this issue is not an isolated case, as multiple travelers have reported similar instances of overcharging. “This is not about Rs. 10, but about the blatant cheating by the parking authority,” he stated, adding that he may pursue legal action if corrective measures are not implemented.
Several other travelers also shared their grievances, recounting instances where they were charged varying amounts for similar parking durations. Some reported being asked to pay Rs. 70, while others mentioned discrepancies in the fees charged for different vehicles under unclear justifications. “On January 19, they collected Rs. 70 from me, claiming that the parking fee had been increased since February,” shared one affected passenger. Another traveler recounted being charged differently for two cars parked in separate lanes despite arriving around the same time.
The issue gained traction on social media, with users expressing their outrage over the alleged extortion. Comments poured in, calling for accountability and stringent action against the parking contractors. Many urged authorities to monitor the situation more closely and ensure transparency in fee collection.
Responding to the allegations, the Director of Imphal Airport, Chipemmi Keishing, acknowledged the complaints and assured strict action against the agency responsible for managing the parking facility. “The matter has been taken up with the concerned agency, and if found guilty, penalties of Rs. 3,500 for misconduct and Rs. 5,000 for overcharging will be imposed. Repeated violations will lead to the termination of the contract,” he stated. He also urged passengers to formally lodge complaints via email at [email protected] for prompt resolution.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions about the need for better regulation and transparency in airport parking services. Passengers now await tangible action from the authorities to prevent such issues in the future.
