Nagpur: In a decisive move to decongest the circulating area on the western flank of Nagpur railway station and eliminate the menace of auto mafia, authorities have rolled out a modern access-controlled pick-up and drop system with a 12-minute free window for all private vehicles.The latest initiative would allow Uber, Ola and other private cab operators to enter and exit Nagpur railway premises along with the existing Bharat cab fleet. The FASTag-based setup launched under supervision of divisional railway manager, Nagpur division (central railways), ensures automatic and transparent deduction of charges, bringing accountability to an area that has for years witnessed chaos, overcharging, refusal to ply at legal rates, and aggressive touting that hit outstation passengers, women travellers, and senior citizens.Senior divisional commercial manager, Nagpur division, Central Railway, Aman Mittal is monitoring the launch and its operations.“In a key reform, commercial vehicles, including cab pick-ups and auto pick-ups are now permitted to operate right in front of the porch area in regulated conditions,” said a railway official.This ends the practice of passengers being forced to step outside the station premises into the grip of unregulated operators. A dedicated pre-paid taxi booking kiosk has also been set up in front of the heritage building, enabling passengers to book rides at fixed, transparent rates without middlemen or haggling.Private vehicles can now avail a free 12-minute slot for pick-up and drop. With the average entry-to-exit time recorded at just 8 minutes, majority users are expected to complete their business without paying any charges.The time-bound free access is specifically designed to encourage quick turnover and prevent the space from being clogged by vehicles parked for long durations.A designated contractor will manage the circulating area from entry to exit. Strict action will be taken against unauthorised parking and over-stays to maintain smooth flow and discipline, said a railway official.Passengers needing longer-duration parking have been advised to use separate parking lots at the station.The initiative directly addresses years of passenger complaints about the auto mafia — inflated fares, misbehaviour, and deliberate creation of artificial scarcity outside the station.The new system of bringing commercial transport inside a monitored FASTag-enabled zone, offering pre-paid options and free window to private vehicles will restore order, reduce congestion, and make the station premises passenger-friendly.Authorities appealed to all commuters to cooperate by using the free pick-up and drop facility responsibly, avoiding over-stays, and supporting the overall better management of Nagpur railway station premises.
