Open house: How can connectivity to Amritsar airport and parking amenities be improved?

Collaborative action need of the hour

To improve connectivity between Amritsar city and Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, a comprehensive public transport strategy is essential. Introducing a dedicated airport shuttle service connecting key city locations, such as the railway station, bus stand and major hotels, at regular intervals would offer affordable and reliable travel for passengers. Additionally, integrating app-based cab services and auto-rickshaw stands with proper regulation and fare control would strengthen last-mile connectivity. In the long term, expanding city bus routes or exploring a light rail/metro link to the airport could provide sustainable and efficient transportation. Multilingual signage, route maps and digital ticketing options would further ease navigation for both domestic and international travellers. Parking facilities also require urgent attention. The current parking contractor reportedly violates regulations and frequently overcharges customers - an issue that must be strictly addressed by airport authorities. Upgraded infrastructure such as shaded or multi-level parking, clean restrooms, CCTV surveillance and clear signage is necessary. Designated zones for pick-up and drop-off, digital payment options and real-time parking availability displays would streamline operations. Basic passenger amenities like seating, kiosks and drinking water must also be ensured. Collaborative action between airport management and local authorities is key to delivering a world-class travel experience. Atinderpal Singh

Lack Of Parking Spaces A City-Wide Problem

Not only airport lacks parking facility, but the whole city is lacking required parking spaces. Every day, the number of vehicles on the roads increases, yet there are insufficient designated parking areas to accommodate them. Moreover, the existing parking facility at the airport lacks basic amenities such as cleanliness, proper sanitation and clean drinking water. The lack of adequate parking facilities is a widespread issue across the entire city. To address these concerns, authorities must first develop better listening skills and demonstrate patience in addressing the repeated grievances raised by residents. It is equally important for them to begin implementing measures aimed at improving the overall environmental conditions of these spaces.  Moreover, in order to improve mass transport connectivity between the airport and city, it should start local buses and at the same time encourage taxis, e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaw owners to ply their vehicles at airport by offering incentives to them for that purpose. Sanjay Chawla

Airport Must Modernise Infra

Persistent concerns regarding substandard amenities at Amritsar airport's parking facilities and the conspicuous absence of efficient mass transit connectivity underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms. To enhance user experience and operational efficacy, the airport must modernise its parking infrastructure by integrating cutting-edge security measures, ample illumination, digital payment gateways and accessible provisions for differently-abled passengers. The authorities should also establish a seamless, multimodal transport nexus — this could encompass dedicated shuttle services, integration with Amritsar's urban bus networks, prospective metro connectivity, and app-enabled ride-sharing platforms. Encouraging public-private partnerships can expedite infrastructural upgrades while ensuring sustainability through electric and low-emission vehicle fleets. Additionally, implementing dynamic real-time information systems will empower commuters with timely updates. Such a comprehensive augmentation will not only ameliorate passenger convenience but also bolster regional economic vitality, fortifying Amritsar's position as a pivotal gateway in northern India's aviation landscape. Preetpal Singh Chhina

Government Must Take Charge

With the increase in air traffic, the volume of both private and commercial vehicles at the Amritsar airport has risen significantly, making vehicle parking a major challenge for tourists and local visitors alike. Incidents of overcharging are frequently reported, often leading to heated exchanges. Private operators managing the parking lots are reportedly exploiting passengers, particularly in the pick-and-drop areas. To address this issue, it is imperative that the airport parking area be expanded and brought under government management, rather than being auctioned to private contractors. A government-run parking facility should be established, offering essential amenities such as drinking water and other basic services at concessional rates. Additionally, the duration allowed for free pick-and-drop should be increased to facilitate smoother movement and reduce congestion. Furthermore, a government-operated prepaid taxi counter should be introduced to break the monopoly of private taxi operators, who often overcharge and harass unsuspecting tourists. To alleviate parking congestion, public transport, including BRTS services, must be extended up to the airport to provide an affordable and convenient option for passengers. Lastly, a permanent traffic police post should be established at the airport to address tourist complaints and provide immediate redressal on-site. Anil Vinayak

Local Bus Services Can Be Utilised

To improve connectivity, the government can introduce local bus services to and from the airport. Additionally, the SGPC could consider operating a free bus service between the city and the airport. While parking areas may still be allotted to private contractors through an auction process, the revenue generated from this can be used to provide better amenities and facilities for passengers.  Dr Krishan Thakur

Monitoring Necessary To Ensure No Blocks

Public amenities at airports are meant to assist citizens in traveling with ease. While a paid parking zone already exists, the area directly in front of the airport terminal should be designated strictly as a pick-up and drop-off zone. This area must be actively monitored by airport security to ensure that vehicles do not block traffic flow or overstay their permitted time. All points of mass ingress into the city, such as the airport, railway station and bus stand, should be well-connected through frequent public transport services. These services should include convenient stops at key destinations like the city centre and the Golden Temple area. The underutilised BRTS infrastructure could be effectively repurposed to serve this need. Gunbir Singh

Structured, Affordable Transport Required

Amritsar, a major tourist and religious destination, welcomes thousands of visitors daily through Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. Yet, there is a glaring lack of efficient transport options connecting the airport to the city. With no public bus service, airport shuttle, or prepaid taxi system, travellers, especially tourists, face confusion, inconvenience and often overpriced transport. This not only affects the city's image but also limits accessibility for locals and visitors alike. To match its global significance, Amritsar urgently needs structured, affordable, and reliable airport-city transport, including shuttle buses, regulated taxis and eventually, integration with a mass transit system. Better connectivity is essential for tourism, urban growth, and the overall experience of anyone arriving in this historic city. Indu Aurora

Introduce Dedicated Shuttle Bus Service

To improve connectivity between Amritsar city and Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, a comprehensive public transport strategy is essential. Introducing a dedicated airport shuttle service connecting key city locations — such as the railway station, bus stand, and major hotels—at regular intervals would offer affordable and reliable travel for passengers. Additionally, integrating app-based cab services and auto-rickshaw stands with proper regulation and fare control would strengthen last-mile connectivity. In the long term, expanding city bus routes or exploring a light rail/metro link to the airport could provide sustainable and efficient transportation. Multilingual signage, route maps, and digital ticketing options would further ease navigation for both domestic and international travellers. Parking facilities also require urgent attention. The current parking contractor reportedly violates regulations and frequently overcharges customers, an issue that must be strictly addressed by airport authorities. Upgraded infrastructure such as shaded or multi-level parking, clean restrooms, CCTV surveillance, and clear signage is necessary. Designated zones for pick-up and drop-off, digital payment options, and real-time parking availability displays would streamline operations. Basic passenger amenities like seating, kiosks, and drinking water must also be ensured. Collaborative action between airport management and local authorities is key to delivering a world-class travel experience. APS Singh

Designate Drop-Off & Pick-Up Zones

Amritsar airport serves as a crucial gateway not only for the people of Punjab but also for international travellers, especially those coming for business, tourism and religious purposes. Therefore, its facilities and connectivity must match the standards of major Indian airports like Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. The parking bay should be equipped with proper lighting, CCTV surveillance, shade structures and clear signages so that passengers feel safe and comfortable. Digital payment options and real-time availability displays for parking slots would reduce chaos and long waiting times. On the connectivity front, there is a strong need for reliable and affordable mass transport. A dedicated shuttle bus service connecting the airport with key city points such as the railway station, Golden Temple, bus stand and major hotels would be very beneficial. Integration of these buses with digital ticketing apps and fixed schedules would make them user-friendly. Additionally, an extension of the BRTS corridor or even a metro light-rail link in the future could be considered, given the rising number of flyers. Moreover, improving ride-sharing facilities, designating proper drop-off and pick-up zones, and ensuring round-the-clock availability of prepaid taxis and e-rickshaws will give passengers a smoother experience. If Amritsar truly wants to emerge as a global destination, its international airport must reflect the same standards of infrastructure and passenger convenience that one experiences in Delhi, Bangalore or Mumbai. Bhupinder Singh

Share Information About Transportation Options

The lack of amenities at Amritsar airport’s parking and the absence of mass transport connectivity with the city are pressing concerns that need attention. To address these issues, the airport authorities can modernise parking facilities with amenities like CCTV cameras, security personnel and clear signage. Increasing parking capacity and implementing smart parking systems can also help manage passenger traffic. Introducing a Bus Rapid Transit system or city bus services, such as electric or CNG buses, can provide efficient and affordable transportation between the city and airport. A metro or light rail transit system can also be considered for fast and efficient connectivity. Public-private partnerships can be explored to offer passengers a range of transportation options. Airport shuttle services between the airport and city centre can facilitate easy travel. Providing clear information about transportation options and schedules through digital displays, mobile apps, or websites can also enhance the travel experience. By implementing these measures, Amritsar airport can improve its parking amenities and city connectivity, making travel more convenient for passengers. Kuldeep Singh

Improve Basic Parking Facilities

Despite being a key international gateway for Punjab, the airport still lacks basic amenities that travellers expect. The parking area is often found in poor shape, with limited shelter, inadequate lighting, lack of clean restrooms, and no proper seating arrangements for those waiting. This creates a poor impression on visitors and causes inconvenience to locals alike. Equally troubling is the absence of reliable and affordable public transport between the city and the airport. Passengers are left with no choice but to rely on costly private taxis or autos, which are neither consistent nor accessible for everyone. To resolve these issues, the government and airport authorities must introduce regular, low-cost shuttle buses connecting the airport with major parts of the city, especially the railway station and bus stand. Improving basic facilities in the parking area should also be a top priority. These steps will make the airport more passenger-friendly and improve the overall image of the city. Rajinder Kumar