At least 48 hours after the app-based cab service was launched with fanfare by the Central Railways at Nagpur railway station, the city’s two key private players — Ola and Uber — displayed their rogue mentality by refusing to enter the premises to resume the cab facility.
Shockingly, the bone of contention remains the INR 50 waiting/parking fee.
TOI’s repeated attempts to seek a reply from corporate offices of Ola and Uber went unheeded even as hundreds of passengers were again left to the mercy of the auto mafia after hope flickered among women and elderly that they wouldn’t have to trek 300m with luggage to board a cab.
As the deadlock continued due to the stubborn stand of Ola and Uber, the focus has shifted to Nagpur MP and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who many believe could alleviate the trauma of commuters.
Deepak Sane, secretary, Vidarbha app-based cab and taxi services union, said he approached the Railways and Gadkari’s office and sought their help to break the stalemate. “We requested the office of the Union minister to intervene as commuters were facing hardship. OV cab services are also being coerced by a political group to stay away,” said Sane.
It’s learnt Gadkari’s office had spoken to the cab services and sought details. “We plan to conduct a signature campaign and present it to the Union minister and his office,” said Sane. He also stated that Railways too can reconsider their decision to allow commuters to pay waiting charge only through the app. “Railways can put up a temporary board, instructing commuters to pay INR 50 as waiting charge and later withdraw the system, once cab operators modify their rate chart,” he said.
Divisional railway manager, Nagpur division, Tushar Kant Pandey, said he too was shocked by the behaviour of app-based cab operators. “The cab service from the railway station is the need of the hour,” said Pandey.
