Nagpur Airport Cool Cab Service Under Fire for Excessive Pricing During App-Cab Strike
Passengers arriving at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur are expressing strong dissatisfaction with the prepaid Cool Cab service, which is allegedly exploiting travelers during the ongoing strike by app-based cab drivers. The service, intended as a reliable alternative amid the transportation disruption, has instead become a costly necessity for many.
Passengers Forced to Choose Between High Costs or Long Walks
With app-based cab services largely unavailable due to the strike, passengers seeking affordable options are left with few alternatives. Many report being compelled to walk nearly a kilometer in extreme heat, often while carrying heavy luggage, to avoid the steep fares charged by the Cool Cab service. This situation has turned what should be a convenient fallback into a significant inconvenience and financial burden.
Detailed Breakdown of Cool Cab Fare Structure Reveals High Rates
A close examination of the official fare chart displayed at the airport kiosk highlights the substantial pricing. Short-distance trips to locations such as Ajni railway station, Medical Square, and Sitabuldi are fixed at ₹450. Nearby areas including Somalwada and Chhatrapati Nagar fall within the ₹350 to ₹450 range, which passengers argue is disproportionately high compared to normal rates.
Fares escalate further for destinations like Besa, Beltarodi, and Manewada, which are placed in the ₹500 bracket. For slightly farther localities such as Hingna Road, MIDC, and Wadi, costs rise to ₹600 or more, with Butibori MIDC and beyond reaching up to ₹700. The chart also includes additional charges for waiting time, extra distance, and night travel, which can significantly inflate the final fare.
Passenger Testimonies Highlight Widespread Discontent
Rohit Tejwani, a passenger, shared his experience: "I usually pay between ₹150 and ₹200 to reach Pratap Nagar, but here I was charged ₹450. It's completely unreasonable and feels like exploitation." Numerous other travelers have echoed similar concerns, describing the rates as excessive and unfair, especially given the lack of alternatives during the strike.
Cool Cab Drivers Defend Pricing Citing Operational Costs
In response to the criticism, Cool Cab drivers have pointed to the high operational expenses they incur. A driver at the airport kiosk explained: "We pay ₹100 as airport parking fees alone, not to mention fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and the long waiting hours between trips. The fare structure is designed to ensure the service remains viable and sustainable for us." This defense, however, has done little to assuage passenger frustrations.
Broader Implications for Airport Transportation Services
The ongoing dispute underscores a larger issue regarding the reliability and affordability of airport transportation in Nagpur during service disruptions. Passengers are calling for more transparent pricing and better regulation to prevent such situations in the future. The Cool Cab service's current practices have sparked a debate on balancing driver livelihoods with passenger rights, especially in times of crisis like the app-cab strike.
As the strike continues, travelers are advised to plan ahead and explore all available options to mitigate the impact of these high fares. The situation remains a pressing concern for both local authorities and the traveling public, highlighting the need for more resilient and fair transportation solutions at the airport.
