Nagpur: Will the notorious auto mafia at Nagpur railway station, long accused of harassing and fleecing commuters, and clashing with cab operators, once again emerge as a potential flashpoint with the new cab aggregator? With the station undergoing major redevelopment and the recent decision to introduce a cab aggregator, auto drivers may resort to protests, trigger chaos and confrontation in the bustling premises, which in the past witnessed deadly assaults on cabbies. Though senior railway officials sounded confident on the effectiveness of railway security personnel, till date the illegal autorickshaw drivers can be seen trespassing into railway premises, including the porch.For years, the autorickshaw cartel has dominated the station area, infiltrating platforms without badges or uniform, fleecing arriving passengers, and blocking entry for app-based cabs and private taxis.Multiple incidents of assaults on cabbies and aggressive behaviour were witnessed, with railway security failing to thwart the aggression.In 2023-24, the issue drew widespread attention, with city police and railway security forces launching a crackdown, yet the mafia continued to operate with impunity. The auto mafia continues to park illegally and create traffic bottlenecks, especially around Platform Nos. 1 and 8.The biggest trigger is the railway administration’s directive in early 2026 to dismantle the prepaid auto booth near the western gate, challenging their operations and legality. Auto drivers expressed strong resentment, claiming the facility provided proper regulated service to passengers and supported their livelihood.Sources stated political interference has already begun, with drivers warning of disruptions if their demands for designated stands are not met during the station’s facelift.Commuters, meanwhile, are caught in the crossfire. Many prefer prepaid or app-based options to avoid haggling and harassment, but the ineffective presence of security personnel has worsened the situation. Railway officials and police have promised stricter monitoring.
