12-Min Free FASTag-Based Pick & Drop Launched at Nagpur Railway Station Nagpur: Authorities have introduced a modern, access-controlled pick-up and drop system at Nagpur railway station, designed to reduce congestion and combat the longstanding issue of unregulated auto operators exploiting passengers. The initiative, which offers a 12-minute free window for private vehicles, aims to streamline movement within the station premises and ensure transparency in fare collection. The system, implemented under the supervision of the divisional railway manager for Nagpur division (Central Railways), utilizes FASTag technology to automate charges, addressing years of complaints about overcharging, arbitrary pricing, and unsafe practices by unlicensed operators. The new system allows private cab services like Uber and Ola to operate within the station, alongside the existing Bharat cab fleet. This marks a significant shift from previous practices, where passengers were often forced to step outside the station into the chaotic, unregulated environment dominated by the "auto mafia." Railway officials emphasized that the move is part of a broader effort to create a safer, more efficient environment for commuters, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, senior citizens, and outstation travelers. A dedicated pre-paid taxi booking kiosk has been established near the heritage building at the station, enabling passengers to book rides at fixed, transparent rates without intermediaries. The free 12-minute window for pick-up and drop is intended to encourage quick turnover, preventing vehicles from lingering and clogging the space. The average entry-to-exit time is reported to be just 8 minutes, with most users expected to complete their transactions without additional charges.#uber #nagpur_railway_station #ola #central_railways #fastag_technology
Cabs Grounded, Rlys Stunned By RedTape, Say Commuters Deserve Better Passengers at Nagpur railway station have been left in a state of frustration and distress as the rollout of smooth cab services has been repeatedly delayed by bureaucratic hurdles. Commuters, forced to navigate chaotic traffic, heavy luggage, and the scorching heat of a heatwave, have been trekking up to 300 meters to secure a cab, sparking outrage over the lack of basic convenience at one of Maharashtra’s key rail hubs. A harried traveler lamented, “In which Indian city do passengers face such trauma at the railway station? Will cabs roll out when the heatwave is over and rains come? Will Nagpur continue to suffer the auto mafia, who don’t allow app-based cabs to pick passengers from the station?” The commuter added that VIPs setting the rules rarely experience the same hardships as the common people. The issue traces back to a tender awarded in early January to a cab aggregator for operating services at Nagpur railway station. However, the process has been stalled by an unexpected requirement for fresh registration with the Regional Transport Authorities (RTA) and approval from a committee under the Nagpur collector. Senior railway officials confirmed that this administrative roadblock has delayed the service, leaving both the aggregator and Central Railways stunned by the sudden clause. “We issued a letter to the RTO and Collector office to expedite the process and allow the cab aggregator service to operate without delay,” said a senior Railways officer. The letter, dated March 26, 2026, highlighted the daily struggles of commuters without cab pickup services, which have been absent for nearly three years.#nagpur_railway_station #auto_mafia #nagpur_collector #central_railways #regional_transport_authorities
