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
