Bhogapuram Airport Commute Costs: Electric Bus Fare Set at ₹300, Cab Rides Range from ₹800 to ₹1,500 A seat on the electric bus to Visakhapatnam’s new Bhogapuram airport is expected to cost around ₹300, while cab fares for the same journey range from ₹800 to ₹1,500. These pricing details are emerging ahead of the airport’s inauguration on August 1, 2026, with commercial flights set to begin operations on August 17. The fare structure reflects the distance between the airport and the city, which lies approximately 43 to 50 kilometers from Visakhapatnam along National Highway-16, near the Vizianagaram district border. The Hindu’s recent drive from its office in Seethammadhara to the airport site took about 75 minutes, highlighting the travel time. From Gajuwaka, the distance is 60.4 kilometers, making the trip longer compared to major cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Navi Mumbai, where airports are located farther from urban centers. From Anandapuram, the airport is just 23 kilometers away, with a travel time of about half an hour. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) plans to operate 20 electric buses in the first phase, with 10 buses on each of two routes. The first route will connect Gajuwaka to the airport via NAD Junction, Gurudwara, Maddilapalem, Madhurawada, and Anandapuram, taking approximately one hour and 45 minutes. This route is about 12 minutes longer than a cab journey. The second route, starting from Gajuwaka through Scindia, Visakhapatnam Railway Station, VMRDA Park on Beach Road, IT Hills in Madhurawada, Marikavalasa, and Anandapuram, is expected to take around two hours. Officials mentioned that additional routes and services may be introduced based on demand after the airport opens.#visakhapatnam #uber #ola #bhogapuram_airport #apsrtc
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
Police Warn Striking Cabbies Of Legal Action Amid Airport Blockade Nagpur: A group of app-based cab drivers, who have been on strike for four days, continue to block airport pick-up and drop services, prompting the police to issue warnings about potential legal consequences. The strike, which began as a protest against fare rates and the inclusion of bike riders in ride-sharing platforms, has disrupted airport operations. Police authorities have summoned union leaders and emphasized that any formal complaint alleging the forced stopping of vehicles could lead to legal action against the striking drivers. However, no such complaints have been filed so far, according to a senior police official. The drivers, affiliated with the Taxi Chalak Malak Kruti Samiti union, are demanding higher fare rates from aggregators like Ola and Uber, as well as the removal of bike riders from the app. They argue that bike riders, who are not required to follow RTO rules, are undermining the business of cab drivers. The union chose the airport as a protest site, hoping to draw attention from the government and aggregators by causing inconvenience to flyers. Despite the strike, the police have arranged a meeting between union representatives and district collector Kumar Ashirwad. Deepak Sane, a member of the Kruti Samiti, stated that the district collector has promised a second round of discussions. However, Sane emphasized that representatives from the aggregators must also be present for a resolution. "The final decision lies with the companies, not the government," he added. The union’s tactics involve urging other cabbies to drop passengers near Pride Hotel instead of proceeding to the airport terminal. Sane clarified that drivers who refuse to comply are not being stopped, and exceptions are made for families with children.#nagpur #uber #kumar_ashirwad #taxi_chalak_malak_kruti_samiti #ola
