India, Feb. 9 -- Hiring app-based cabs from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national Capital has become a costly affair. Passengers availing cabs from the airport are charged a mandatory INR 290 pick-up charge, which accounts for nearly half the total fare on short-distance rides.

While passengers and drivers alike are questioning the transparency, the value and the infrastructure that accompanies the charge, cab aggregators such as Uber and Ola claim the charge is part of contractual parking arrangements with the airport authorities,. The flat INR 290 fee is charged on every app-based airport pick-up, regardless of vehicle size or trip distance. Drivers say aggregators deduct this amount upfront as a parking fee, leaving ...