Airport to railway station at 450, to Besa in Rs500

Nagpur: The prepaid Cool Cab service at the arrivals gate of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is drawing flak for allegedly fleecing passengers during the ongoing app-based cabbies' strike.Passengers say the service, expected to act as a fallback amid the disruption, has instead become a costly compulsion. With app-based services largely unavailable, those seeking cheaper options are forced to walk nearly a kilometre in extreme heat, often with luggage in tow.A look at the Cool Cab fare chart at the airport kiosk underlines the steep pricing. Short trips to Ajni railway station, Medical Square, and Sitabuldi are pegged at ₹450, while nearby areas such as Somalwada and Chhatrapati Nagar fall in the ₹350–₹450 range.Fares rise further for localities like Besa, Beltarodi, and Manewada, placed in the ₹500 bracket. Slightly farther destinations such as Hingna Road, MIDC, and Wadi cost ₹600 or more, going up to ₹700 for Butibori MIDC and beyond.The chart also lists additional charges for waiting time, extra distance, and night travel, pushing up the final fare."I usually pay ₹150–₹200 to reach Pratap Nagar, but here I was charged ₹450. It's unreasonable," said Rohit Tejwani, a passenger. Several others echoed the concern, terming the rates excessive.Cool cab drivers, however, cite operational costs. "We pay ₹100 as airport parking fees, apart from fuel, maintenance, and long waiting hours. The fares are structured to keep services viable," said a driver at the kiosk.