The newly introduced prepaid cab service at Nagpur Railway Station has received a positive response from passengers during its three-day trial run, offering a convenient alternative to the long walks and uncertainty often associated with finding transport after arriving at the station.
For years, passengers had to drag their luggage for considerable distances outside the station premises, often in extreme heat or rain, to find a cab. The prepaid service now allows travellers to book rides directly from designated counters within the station premises.
Passengers who used the facility during the trial period described the booking process as quick and hassle-free.
“The fares are fixed as per approved rates, and the booking process at the station is simple and convenient,” said Alankar, a passenger who arrived at the station on Sunday.
“Now, we don’t have to go outside the railway station to find a cab. It has made travel from the railway station convenient,” said another passenger Himanshu Gujjar.
The service, being operated by Bharat Cabs Online, is scheduled for full-scale implementation from June 15. According to the operator, passengers were able to complete the QR-code-based booking process and board their cabs in less than two minutes during the dry run.
Dedicated pickup points have been established near the front porch adjoining Platform No. 1, ensuring easier access for senior citizens, women, families travelling with children and passengers with mobility issues.
Officials said the service is currently operational at Nagpur Railway Station and is expected to be extended to Itwari Railway Station in the coming days.
Senior railway officials, including Divisional Railway Manager of Central Railway’s Nagpur Division Vinayak Garg and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Aman Mittal, monitored the trial operation in coordination with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
“With more drivers onboarding daily, the service is poised for expansion. Integration with other operators could further boost availability,” said Garg.
The launch comes months after the discontinuation of app-based cab services around October 2024, which had left many railway passengers dependent on autorickshaws for transportation. Earlier attempts to introduce similar services reportedly faced resistance from prepaid autorickshaw unions.
“One standout feature of the revived service is its transparent and driver-friendly model,” said a volunteer stationed at the pick-up point.
Officials, however, acknowledged that traffic congestion outside the railway station remains a challenge due to the large presence of autorickshaws and heavy vehicular movement.
“Sustained police vigilance will be needed to manage the situiation,” said senior railway officials.
Key Features of the Service
- Passengers can now book cabs directly from the station premises without searching for transport outside or walking to nearby locations such as Jaistambh Chowk or Ganesh Tekdi.
- Drivers retain 100 per cent of the RTO-approved fare, while the service provider charges a nominal convenience fee of Rs 50 per trip.
- Around 50 drivers have already joined the platform, with more expected to enrol in the coming weeks.
- QR-code-based booking counters eliminate the need to download mobile applications, making the service accessible to all passengers.
- Temporary parking facilities near the new reservation counters on the western side of the station can accommodate multiple cabs, while assistance desks are available to guide first-time users.
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