Pune Railway Station Explores Dedicated Cab Bay to Address Passenger Grievances
Railway authorities in Pune are actively considering the establishment of a dedicated cab bay on the premises of Pune railway station, provided sufficient space can be allocated. This initiative aims to tackle long-standing issues faced by passengers, particularly harassment by auto rickshaw drivers and exorbitant fare demands.
Space Constraints and Future Plans
A senior railway official highlighted the challenges, stating, "Space at the front circulating area is a problem, but if any aggregator comes to us with a proposal, we will look into the same." The official further emphasized that the station is slated for redevelopment, which will introduce numerous enhanced facilities upon completion.
Passenger Demands and Past Efforts
Several passengers have consistently advocated for a dedicated counter and bay for cabs, similar to those available at airports. In 2018, a dedicated lane was earmarked for a cab aggregator, but the current situation remains problematic. Passengers report that harassment by auto rickshaw drivers has reached a peak, with authorities seemingly unresponsive to their concerns.
Common complaints include:
- Refusal to operate by the meter
- Fleecing of passengers through inflated fares
- Demanding astronomical rates for short trips
First-Hand Accounts of Harassment
Parul Jain, a dentist visiting Pune for work, shared her frustrating experience: "I had booked cabs thrice after reaching Pune. Two drivers refused the ride and another told me to come out of the station because according to him, he would be harried by autorickshaw drivers. There were many autos, but no one was ready to go by the meter. They demanded high fares just to go to Shivajinagar. At the end, I didn't have a choice but to budge. Why can't there be a dedicated cab corridor and a booth at the station? I have seen the same at Howrah and Delhi stations."
Conflict Between Auto Rickshaws and Cabs
Other passengers noted frequent altercations between auto rickshaw drivers and cabbies, which deter many cab drivers from entering the station premises. Samrat Prakash, a resident of Wanowrie, explained, "This happens mainly in the late evening hours. There is a prepaid auto stand at the station but the situation is the same there."
The proposed dedicated cab bay is seen as a potential solution to these conflicts, offering passengers a reliable and safe transportation option directly from the station.
