Coimbatore Railway Station Parking Fees Spark Outrage Among Commuters
Passengers utilizing the Coimbatore Junction railway station are being subjected to unjustifiably high parking fees, with reports indicating that two-wheeler owners are forced to pay Rs 40 for a mere two hours of parking. This amount starkly contrasts with the officially posted fare chart, which specifies a minimum charge of Rs 10 for two hours and Rs 40 for a full 24-hour period.
Official Rates Versus On-Ground Reality
According to the station's authorized pricing structure, the parking fees are clearly delineated: for two-wheelers, it is Rs 10 for two hours and Rs 40 for 24 hours, while for cars, the charges are Rs 20 for two hours and Rs 80 for 24 hours. However, the actual experience of commuters tells a different story entirely.
P Rajesh, a regular commuter at Coimbatore Junction, highlighted the pervasive nature of this issue. "For someone traveling on a MEMU from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam, the train fare itself is only Rs 10," he explained. "Yet, they have to pay three times that amount just to park their vehicle on the station premises. This has led many, including one of my friends, to opt for parking outside the official area, resulting in illegal parking along nearby roads."
Private Contractor's Role and Recent Developments
The operation and maintenance of the parking lot at the rear entrance of Coimbatore Junction were awarded to a private contractor through a new contract in April 2025, valid until March 2028. Despite this arrangement, employees of this contractor have been accused of demanding exorbitant fees.
On a recent Friday, a team encountered a situation where these employees insisted on Rs 40 per hour for parking a two-wheeler. When questioned about the high charges, they asserted that a minimum of Rs 40 must be paid even if the vehicle is parked for as little as 10 minutes.
Station Authorities Respond to Complaints
Upon escalating the issue to the station authorities, it was revealed that previous complaints had led to some workers under the contractor being suspended and penalties being imposed. An official stated, "Regarding the new allegation of excessive parking charges, an inquiry will be initiated, and immediate action will be taken. We urge passengers who encounter similar problems to report them directly to the station authorities without delay."
This response underscores the ongoing challenges in regulating parking fees and ensuring compliance with official rates. The situation not only burdens commuters financially but also contributes to traffic and safety issues due to increased illegal parking in the vicinity.
