Auto Mafia Is Down, App-Based Cabs To Resume Rly Stn Service

Nagpur: Signalling a huge relief for the passengers arriving at Nagpur railway station amidst the intense heatwave, the app-based cab aggregator service will roll out operations from within the railway station premises from Friday.And in a decisive move, the Nagpur division of Central Railway has effectively dismantled the long-standing dominance of the auto-rickshaw mafia, paving way for more organised, transparent and hassle-free last-mile connectivity.The dedicated pick-up and drop zone for app-based cabs, situated outside Platform 1, can simultaneously accommodate up to five vehicles. Infrastructure work, including proper signage, markings and parking facilities, stands fully completed.The fresh three-year contract (Jan 3, 2026, to Jan 2, 2029) awarded to an IT firm has cleared all procedural stages. The operator is learnt to have obtained necessary clearances from Regional Transport Authority (RTA) following inspections, removing final obstacles that postponed the launch. For decades, the auto-rickshaw mafia exercised unchecked control over passenger transport at this key Vidarbha junction.Pre-paid auto operators and unauthorised drivers frequently blocked entrances near Platforms 1 and 8, demanded exorbitant fares and even intimidated and thrashed cabbies who would dare to pick passengers from the station premises.This cartel-like operation not only caused severe traffic snarls but also led to collapse of earlier cab-aggregator contracts. Commuters, particularly senior citizens, women, families with luggage and differently abled passengers, were compelled to walk long distances — often up to 300m — to Jaistambh Chowk or other external points like Tekdi Ganpati temple, enduring extreme weather.Railway authorities have now drawn a firm boundary. Sources stated the Railway Protection Force (RPF) conducted sustained drives against illegal autorickshaws, removed the contentious pre-paid auto booth near the western gate and implemented strict enforcement against unauthorised parking and soliciting inside station limits. "Passenger convenience is our top priority. We have taken concrete steps to eliminate vested interests and ensure safe, reliable transport options right from the platforms," a senior railway official told TOI.The new setup promises fixed fares, GPS-tracked rides and seamless app-based bookings. Drop services are expected to be free or carry only a nominal charge, while pick-ups may include a small facilitation fee.Residents and frequent travellers have hailed the development. "This change is long overdue. No more arguments with auto drivers or struggling with bags in the sun," said a frequent traveller from Mumbai to Nagpur.Transport analysts believe the initiative will ease congestion on approach roads and bolster Nagpur's position as a growing commercial and medical hub. This step forms part of Central Railway's ongoing station redevelopment and modernisation efforts. Security measures will be strengthened to prevent backlash from the auto mafia.