Nagpur: In a move to alleviate the trauma of passengers who arrive at one of Vidarbha’s busiest railway hubs, the Nagpur division of Central Railway, has urged authorities to expedite the opening of a dedicated parking lot for radio taxis and app-based cab aggregators at Nagpur railway station.The Nagpur railway station has long struggled with chaotic and inconvenient cab arrangements for arriving passengers. In the absence of a dedicated pick-up zone, app-based cabs and radio taxis would stop at random, non-designated points on roads outside the station. Passengers, including patients, senior citizens, families with children, and the physically challenged were often forced to walk long distances with heavy luggage, leading to significant discomfort, safety concerns, traffic congestion on approach roads, and frequent complaints.Past attempts to introduce organised cab services faced numerous challenges, including strong resistance from prepaid auto-rickshaw owners and a section of illegal auto-rickshaw operators, along with issues related to full participation by major app-based platforms. These hurdles often led to temporary disruptions, contract failures.To address this long-standing issue, railway authorities have now awarded a fresh contract to an IT company for setting up a dedicated parking lot for an app-based cab aggregator park and pick-up service. The designated spot is located next to the Dome Area, accommodating five cabs and covering an area of 146.4 square metres.The contract, spanning three years from January 3 this year to January 2, 2029, aims to provide seamless last-mile connectivity right within the premises of the railway station.The operator has already submitted a formal representation stating that its application for requisite approval from Regional Transport Authority (RTA) is at an advanced stage. According to the firm, the necessary inspection has been completed, and the report is under finalisation for issuance of clearance.Railway sources indicated that all required infrastructure at the site is fully ready, and the operator is prepared to commence operations immediately upon receiving the nod. Railway authorities have now requested swift processing of the approval and issuance of necessary directions to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation and RTA authorities to enable an early start of the service.“This initiative is expected to bring relief to thousands of daily passengers,” said a railway official. “Senior citizens, families with children, and persons with disabilities will benefit from not having to navigate crowded roads with heavy baggage. The dedicated zone will also help decongest the station’s approach roads, improving overall traffic flow in the congested area,” the official stated.Once operational, the facility is anticipated to integrate with popular cab aggregators, offering convenient pick-up and drop services directly from the station, said an official source. Drop services are likely to remain free or nominal, while pick-up may involve a small facilitation charge, as seen in similar setups.Railway officials emphasised that the service aligns with broader efforts to modernise passenger amenities at key stations.With Nagpur being a major junction connecting Vidarbha to other parts of the country, improved last-mile connectivity is expected to boost the travel experience and support the region’s growing economic and healthcare-related travel needs.
