Goa, Dec. 3 -- Tension flared at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, on Wednesday after authorities abruptly enforced a stringent two-minute limit for passenger pickup and drop-off. Under the new rule, drivers exceeding the time are charged a Rs.180 penalty, a move that triggered strong protests from local taxi operators.

Taxi drivers accused airport concessionaire GMR of deliberately targeting and harassing local operators with what they termed an "unreasonable and impractical" restriction. The unexpected enforcement led to chaotic scenes outside the terminal, causing delays and inconvenience for both passengers and transport operators.

Drivers have demanded that the airport management withdraw the penalty system and introduce a more ...