Mumbai CNG crisis hits airport: Passengers face long waits as autos refuse rides

Passengers queue up at Terminal 2 as autos refuse to take rides

The ongoing gas supply disruption in Mumbai has now started affecting passengers arriving at and departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The shortage has made it difficult for auto rickshaw drivers to refill their CNG tanks, forcing them to operate on limited fuel since Sunday.

From around noon on Sunday, long queues of 30 to 40 passengers were seen at the auto stand, with waiting times ranging from 10 to 45 minutes. At Terminal 2, there are two auto lines, one for pickup and one for drop off. This reporter observed that most drivers were dropping off passengers and immediately exiting the stand without taking any new passengers.

Prepaid taxi stand at Terminal 1 stands empty due to lack of CNG-powered vehicles. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur

Sumit Kumar, a Mumbai resident returning from a trip, had been waiting 45 minutes without success. "I need to reach the nearest bus stop to catch a bus to Lonavala. I have been waiting for 45 minutes, and no one is ready to go. The airport staff is trying their best and even speaking to the drivers, but no one is agreeing," he said.

Krystal employees managing the T2 auto stand said they have been struggling to handle both drivers and passengers since Sunday afternoon. "At one point on Monday morning, the line had more than 40 people. Many were not aware of the CNG issue and got angry at us. We are doing our best to get them transport or guide them to alternatives like the Metro," said an employee who did not wish to be named.

Auto stand at Terminal 1 left completely deserted during the CNG shortage

Passengers travelling longer distances are facing steep fares. "We were quoted Rs 1400 to go to Mira Bhayandar. We tried bargaining, but the driver refused, so we have been waiting half an hour in the auto line," said Amish Shah. Elderly passengers are facing the worst of the delays as they wait for drivers willing to take them.

Terminal 1

While T2 still had a few autos agreeing to travel, the situation at Terminal 1 was even worse. At peak hours around 6 pm, both the auto stand and the prepaid taxi stand were completely empty. Passengers were seen walking out to the main road to look for any auto that would agree to at least drop them at the nearest station. "Drivers are charging more than Rs 200 for a ride to Vile Parle, which normally costs Rs 30. They say they are using petrol due to the lack of CNG," said a passenger who requested anonymity and had already waited more than 20 minutes.