Nagpur Railway Station Finally Gets Cab Aggregator Service After 15-Month Struggle
In a significant development for daily commuters and travelers, the Nagpur Division of Central Railway has finally awarded a contract for a cab aggregator service at Nagpur Railway Station. This breakthrough comes after nearly 15 months of delays and several unsuccessful attempts to establish a reliable taxi service at this crucial transportation hub.
Long-Awaited Solution for Passenger Convenience
According to railway officials, the newly appointed aggregator is expected to commence operations within the next week. However, passengers might continue to experience some inconvenience until major app-based taxi platforms formally integrate with the new system. The persistent absence of organized cab services has been a major pain point for thousands of passengers arriving at Nagpur's busy railway station.
Current Challenges and Passenger Hardships
Presently, app-based cab drivers show reluctance to enter the station premises due to fears of confrontation with local auto-rickshaw operators. This standoff has forced passengers alighting at the station to undertake an arduous journey with their luggage. Those booking cabs online must walk at least 300 meters—often in challenging weather conditions like heavy rainfall or intense heat—to reach the SBI branch on Kingsway where they can finally board their booked vehicles.
This situation has persisted despite continuous media campaigns highlighting passenger difficulties, including sustained reporting by major newspapers that eventually prompted railway authorities to appoint a contractor in January 2024. Unfortunately, that initial effort encountered obstacles related to parking fee ambiguities, leading to the contract's cancellation in October 2024.
New Contract Details and Operational Framework
Aman Mittal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of Central Railway, confirmed that the Railways has awarded the contract to Bharat Cabs. "The operator is expected to begin operations within a week," Mittal stated. "The aggregator is also in talks with other app-based taxi services to bring them on board. The drop service at the station would be free, while the pick-up service will cost around Rs 50."
Railway sources have clarified that the aggregator will need to coordinate with app-based taxi platforms to ensure pick-up charges are transparently displayed in their respective applications. Importantly, the system will operate without cash transactions, promoting digital payments and accountability. The pick-up and drop locations will remain consistent with previous arrangements.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Recommendations
Deepak Sane, president of the app-based taxi union, emphasized that passengers would continue facing difficulties unless popular app-based services become formally integrated into the station's system. "The Railways must provide a pre-paid taxi booth at the station similar to pre-paid auto booths," Sane suggested. "Such booths are consumer-friendly and already operational at major stations like Mumbai and Pune."
Meanwhile, considering the ongoing tensions between cab drivers and auto-rickshaw operators, Nitin Solanke—a member of the Zonal Railway Users' Consultative Committee—has advocated for dedicated pick-up and drop zones for app-based taxi services on both sides of Nagpur Railway Station.
Solanke has formally written to the General Manager of Central Railway in Mumbai and the Divisional Railway Manager in Nagpur, citing frequent altercations near the main entrance and Santra Market side of the station. His correspondence also requests clear signage implementation to enhance passenger safety and ensure smoother movement at this bustling transportation junction.
The successful implementation of this cab aggregator service represents a crucial step toward improving passenger experience at one of Central India's most important railway stations. As the system becomes operational, all stakeholders will be watching closely to see if it effectively addresses the long-standing mobility challenges faced by Nagpur's railway passengers.
