Cab stir Day 2: On CM’s Home Turf, Airport Agony Continues Nagpur: For the second consecutive day, travelers at Nagpur’s airport faced severe disruptions as app-based cab drivers continued their strike, halting pick-up and drop services. Passengers were forced to walk nearly a kilometre through scorching heat to reach rides, with fares inflated beyond normal levels. Despite the city being represented by prominent leaders such as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the last-mile connectivity at the airport collapsed, leaving stranded flyers with limited options. Stranded travelers described the ordeal as a test of endurance. A harrowed passenger recounted walking from Dr Hedgewar Memorial Square to the terminal, arriving drenched in sweat and exhausted. “I had a flight to catch and had no choice but to walk,” said Priya Mehta, traveling to Mumbai. Similarly, Rajesh Tiwari, another flyer, criticized the situation as “preposterous,” stating, “We pay for convenience, not to walk in this heat with luggage.” By evening, some passengers opted for alternative arrangements, but fares remained significantly higher than usual. The strike, which began on the first day, has exposed systemic gaps in urban transport coordination and administrative response. Cab union leader Deepak Sane, who met with airport authorities on Wednesday, accused officials of apathy, claiming repeated attempts to initiate dialogue had failed. “Officials say they are busy with VIP movements. What about the common public?” he questioned. Sane also alleged that security personnel were filming protesting drivers, adding, “We are being pressured to withdraw the strike for minimal assurances. It is nothing short of blackmail.#nitin_gadkari #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #nagpur_airport #priya_mehta
App-Based Cabbies Threaten to Halt Airport Services Starting April 14 Travellers flying in and out of Nagpur’s airport are set to face significant disruptions as a union of app-based taxi drivers has announced plans to suspend services from April 14. The Taxi Vahan Chalak Malak Sanyukt Kruti Samiti, a collective representing app-based drivers, has also vowed to block entry of other taxi services into the airport premises, a move that could leave passengers stranded and escalate tensions on the ground. The protest, which will begin on April 14 and continue indefinitely, has raised alarms about potential chaos at the airport, with passengers possibly forced to walk with luggage after being denied access to vehicles. Union president Deepak Sane confirmed that approximately 150 app-based taxi drivers operate at the airport daily. He stated that the union’s decision to halt services is a direct response to long-standing grievances, including the lack of enforcement of rates set by the Rajasthan Transport Department (RTA), which were approved in August 2025. Sane emphasized that the drivers would not accept trips to and from the airport through app-based platforms, adding that office-bearers would be stationed on all four approach roads to the airport to ensure compliance. “No app-based driver will operate at the airport. We will also not accept trips to and from the airport through apps,” he said. The union’s actions are part of a broader agitation over unresolved demands, which include scrapping bike taxi services, enforcing RTA-notified fares, providing direct insurance benefits to drivers, and establishing accountable offices for aggregator companies in Nagpur.#nagpur_airport #taxi_vahan_chalak_malak_sanyukt_kruti_samiti #deepak_sane #rajasthan_transport_department #nitin_magar
Gadkari Envisions Pollution-Free Global Nagpur in New Year Nagpur: Union minister and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari has outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform the city into an international-standard urban hub. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Gadkari framed 2026 as a decisive phase for Nagpur's evolution, where civic governance must translate long-term planning into visible, everyday outcomes for citizens. Emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and economic vitality, he said the coming year should consolidate gains in infrastructure while pushing the city toward global benchmarks in cleanliness, connectivity, and quality of life. Gadkari described his long-term vision for Nagpur as a city that must be among the cleanest, greenest, well-connected, and most efficient in the country. He highlighted the need for pollution-free environments, well-planned urban design, and economic vibrancy, with efficient public transport, clean water, scientific waste management, strong logistics, quality education, and sustainable industry. He asserted that with disciplined planning, Nagpur could become one of the world's best places to live, with cleanliness and environmental sustainability as his top priorities. When asked about the BJP's biggest civic achievement in its 15 years of rule at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Gadkari cited the implementation of a 24x7 water supply project. He noted that Nagpur became the first city in India to achieve this, with water supply now ranging from 8 to 10 hours in some areas to a full 24 hours in others. This has eliminated routine shortages, significantly improving the city's quality of life. Gadkari addressed the issue of candidate selection in civic polls, stating that merit and credibility should guide BJP's choices.#nitin_gadkari #gmr_group #nagpur_municipal_corporation #nmc #nagpur_airport
