Nagpur: For the second day, Nagpur’s air travellers bore the brunt of a standoff between authorities and app-based cab drivers, who halted airport pick-up and drop services. Passengers were again forced to walk nearly a kilometre in the scorching heat to access rides and cough up inflated fares. Despite Nagpur being represented by leaders like CM Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister Nitin Gadkari and state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, basic last-mile connectivity has collapsed at the city’s airport. Stranded fliers say they are left with little choice, but to shell out exorbitant amounts or struggle with luggage over long distances, exposing glaring gaps in urban transport coordination and administrative response.It’s a test of endurance to fly out of the city, said a harrowed passenger on Wednesday after he was forced to get down near Dr Hedgewar Memorial Square and walk nearly a kilometre to the terminal.Senior citizens, families with children, and outstation travellers unfamiliar with the route are among the worst hit. Many were seen struggling with heavy luggage, pausing intermittently in search of shade.“I had a flight to catch and had no choice but to walk. By the time I reached the terminal, I was drenched in sweat and completely exhausted,” said Priya Mehta, who was travelling to Mumbai.Another flyer, Rajesh Tiwari, said, “This is preposterous. We pay for convenience, not to walk in this heat with luggage.” By evening, a few made exceptions, but charged higher than usual fare.Cab union leader Deepak Sane, who met airport authorities on Wednesday, alleged administrative apathy, saying repeated attempts to start a dialogue had failed. “Officials say they are busy with VIP movements. What about the common public?” he said.Sane also claimed security personnel are filming protesting drivers. “We are being pressured to withdraw the strike for minimal assurances. It is nothing short of blackmail,” he said. He cited the ₹100 parking fee and lack of formal agreements as key triggers.
