Cabbies occupy yet-to-be commissioned parking lot at Dabolim airport

Vasco: Taxi operators at Dabolim airport have begun unauthorised parking in a space constructed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) near Shantinagar.
AAI had started the work on the parking area in its land admeasuring about 5,900 sqm, and the foundation stone was laid in February 2021.
Dabolim airport faces a space crunch for parking vehicles.
AAI had made a provision for parking around 400 vehicles, including coaches, cars, and two-wheelers. However, the parking area, which is in the completion stage, is yet to be commissioned.
“This is unauthorised parking by some taxi operators. AAI has not issued any permission to these taxi operators, nor have we officially opened the parking lot for parking vehicles. The taxi operators and other vehicles are making use of the access which is kept open for the parking lot. As of now, AAI has not initiated any action against the unauthorised parking of vehicles, nor are we charging any fees from them,” an AAI official told TOI.
The parking area was to be inaugurated in November 2022. Meanwhile, the commissioning of the multi-level car parking facility (MLCP) created by AAI next to the terminal building of Dabolim airport has been delayed.
During the Covid pandemic, the MLCP’ss basement was utilised for screening international passengers.