After Restrictions on App-Based Cabs, MBB Airport Under Fire Over Alleged Illegal Entry Fee Collection
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 28, 2026
Fresh controversy has erupted over the functioning of the transport system at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, with allegations that an outside contractor has been illegally collecting entry fee from all the private cars, auto-rickshaws entering the airport premises, despite official rules stating that vehicles dropping off or picking up passengers are not required to pay any entry or access fee within the permitted 10 minits dwell time.
The allegations have gained further attention following the recent police action against two auto-rickshaw drivers accused of harassing passengers outside the airport, bringing the airport's overall transport management and regulatory framework under renewed public scrutiny.
According to transport operators and regular commuters, commercial auto-rickshaws entering the airport premises are routinely required to pay Rs. 30-50 to a private contractor appointed by the Airport Authority. Critics have questioned the legality of the collection, alleging that it has continued for several years despite repeated complaints from drivers and passengers.
They further allege that representations made to the Airport Director have failed to produce any meaningful response, allowing the alleged practice to continue unchecked. Reports also suggest that the Airport Authority may soon issue a fresh tender for appointing another contractor to continue the collection of the entry fee.
The controversy has become more significant in light of official airport regulations, which state that private and non-commercial vehicles entering the arrival or departure area solely for dropping off or picking up passengers are not required to pay any entry or access fee. The rules further provide that vehicles are permitted to remain in front of the terminal building for up to five to ten minutes free of charge. Parking charges are applicable only when a vehicle is parked beyond the permissible dwell time or occupies designated parking spaces. Based on these provisions, critics argue that collecting cash at the airport gate merely for entering the terminal area for a short passenger pick-up or drop-off by the ten minits time would be inconsistent with the notified access policy.
Former Chairman of the Tripura Human Rights Commission, Justice SC Das, had earlier reportedly described the collection of such entry fees as "inhuman" and questioned the fairness of imposing additional financial burdens on drivers and passengers. Despite those observations, the alleged practice has reportedly continued without any visible intervention.
The issue has also revived criticism of the continued restrictions on app-based transport services at MBB Airport. Passengers have repeatedly complained that ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido are unable to freely operate from the airport, forcing many travellers to depend on local transport operators. But airport authorities is maintain silent. Several commuters have alleged that despite repeated discussions and meetings convened by the Tripura Transport Department, including meetings reportedly chaired by the Transport Minister, no effective solution has been implemented.
Transport users have questioned why online taxi and auto services can access railway stations and airports across most parts of the country but continue to face operational restrictions at Agartala Airport. Many have described the situation as an anomaly that limits passenger choice, reduces competition and contributes to higher transportation costs.
The recent detention of two auto-rickshaw drivers over the alleged harassment of an air passenger has intensified public debate over the need for comprehensive reforms in the airport's transport management system.
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