Metro stations struggling with both lack of feeder services & auto encroachment

Nagpur: Nagpur: Commuters using Nagpur Metro are facing dual challenges—some stations lack last-mile connectivity, while others are struggling with auto-rickshaw encroachment. At Khapri Metro Station, once plagued by the absence of feeder services, the situation has reversed. Now, the entry gates are often blocked by parked auto-rickshaws, creating congestion instead of improving connectivity. Commuters have raised complaints about auto drivers refusing to move aside, leading to frequent disputes. Meanwhile, the Sitabuldi Interchange, Chitar Oli Metro Station, and others are also facing severe congestion due to unauthorised parking by auto drivers.Khapri Metro Station, which caters to almost 4,000 commuters daily, was previously among the worst-affected by the lack of feeder services, with commuters struggling to find transport after exiting the station. However, the station is now crowded with auto-rickshaws, but instead of improving connectivity, they are creating new problems by obstructing commuter movement.Commuter Atul Deshmukh also highlighted this issue. "Yesterday, at Khapri Metro Station six auto rickshaws were parked directly in front of the main entrance, obstructing the flow of commuters coming out. When requested to move aside, the drivers responded arrogantly and refused to comply. This is not an isolated incident; other commuters have reported similar issues, including at Sitabuldi Main Metro Station," he wrote in a letter to MahaMetro.Another commuter, Mandar Phadnis, said, "Earlier, we had no autos at Khapri, and now there are too many. But instead of providing smooth connectivity, they park right in front of the entrance, blocking the way for commuters," he wrote.The Sitabuldi Interchange, the busiest Metro station in the city being the interchange, faces similar chaos. Strategically located at a marketplace and being at the epicentre, the station is often surrounded by auto drivers aggressively soliciting passengers, sometimes blocking pedestrian movement. "It's chaotic here. At other stations as well, either there are no autos when you need one, or there are too many, making it hard to even walk out of the station," said Rajesh, a metro commuter.The situation at Chitar Oli Metro Station is no different. With no proper auto stands or designated pickup zones for autos, drivers park wherever they find space, including near the entrance. Commuters complain that this not only blocks easy movement but also leads to disputes between auto drivers and commuters over fares. "The metro was supposed to make travelling easy, but the moment you step out, it becomes a hassle. Sometimes you don't find an auto when you need one, or you have to deal with chaos at the gate," said a commuter.A senior MahaMetro official told TOI, "While we can and have raised concerns with the relevant authorities upon receiving complaints from commuters, we do not have direct authority over auto rickshaws as they do not fall under the metro's jurisdiction. To enhance last-mile connectivity, MahaMetro signed an MoU with a firm to operate e-rickshaws at various stations; however, designated spaces have been allocated for them."
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