KOLKATA: Taking advantage of the multi-pronged commute trouble from Kolkata airport, where pre-paid taxis are few and app cabs throw tantrums (right from refusing to go to passenger's destination to seeking cash as the preferred mode of payment), taxi touts are slowly making a comeback outside Kolkata airport. Unlike on earlier occasions, this time passengers are actually banking on them to get cars out of the airport even as they charge extra.
Upgrading from their earlier tactics of haggling with passengers coming out of the airport terminal gates, the touts now stand near the pre-paid taxi booths or outside the terminal gates, keeping an eye on passengers trying to book a cab - either from the police-run pre-paid kiosk or on an app. Once they find the passenger hassled enough by the tantrums, they politely approach them for help - often quoting the fare that's shown in the app cab and even offer help to carry their trolleys to the cars.
