The app-based cab service at Nagpur Railway Station has once again failed to launch due to a fresh bureaucratic dispute between the regional transport office (RTO) and the collector's office. What was intended to be a simple and seamless facility, long denied to citizens, is now entangled in red tape as both government departments are unable to identify a policy norm for issuing a licence to the aggregator.
Collector's Statement
Collector Kumar Ashirwad stated that a meeting was held with officials and cab aggregators to discuss regulatory concerns. He noted that while a policy framework for cab aggregators exists, the rules are yet to be finalised. "In the interim, we will prepare a proposal and submit it to the state transport authority, outlining the current situation, challenges faced by aggregators, and seek issuance of a provisional licence," he said. He added that a follow-up meeting with aggregators has been scheduled for the next week.
Impact on Passengers
What was touted as a gamechanger for passengers in the current heatwave has turned into another chapter of deadlock, leaving senior citizens, families, and luggage-laden travellers stranded in scorching temperatures. "There's no respite from the trauma of trekking 300 metres to avail a cab in this heat. And there's no relief from the auto mafia as well," said a harried passenger.
The private cab aggregator, which was supposed to begin limited operations on May 1 at the west gate with a dedicated zone and a fleet of vehicles, has reportedly suspended its plan to kick off services following new objections over licensing norms and pending No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Policy Vacuum
Despite the tender being issued almost two months ago, sources indicate that the absence of a comprehensive state policy on cab aggregator licences has triggered fresh hurdles, forcing the operator to pull back operations. Commuters are once again forced to drag heavy baggage through chaotic traffic to makeshift points like Jaistambh Chowk or Mohini Complex. "We were about to celebrate the launch only to find cabs missing. The heat is unbearable, and autos are fleecing us mercilessly," said a commuter.
The cycle of delays has plagued Nagpur railway station for years. A fresh tender awarded to another aggregator in early 2026 promised relief by January, but repeated clearance issues from the approval committee comprising RTO and collector office deferred the rollout to May.
Railway Official's Assurance
A senior railway official claimed, "We are coordinating with the collector's office to fast-track the policy framework. The fresh queries on aggregator licensing have caused this temporary pause. We expect resolution within the week." The drop-offs function sporadically, but pick-ups remain paralysed.
Auto Mafia Dominance
With no major players like Ola or Uber fully integrated due to the policy vacuum, the auto mafia continues to run amok. The mafia, long accused of dominating the ecosystem, allegedly exerts pressure whenever organised services threaten their turf, said a senior official.
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