Karnataka: BIAL comes under RTI, rules info panel

The Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) has ruled that the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the Kempegowda International Airport, is a public authority under the RTI Act, a major decision that brings to close a 15-year-old matter.

The order assumes significance as bringing transparency in management and operation of the BIAL helps in better understanding and accountability, especially in matters like levying of the contentious user development fee.

In a strongly worded ruling, the KIC slammed the state government for its “utter failure” to assert the state’s significant role in setting up the KIA.