Aggressive Rickshaw Drivers Cause Distress for Pune Railway Passengers

Pune, 4th January 2025: Ongoing disputes and obstruction among auto rickshaw drivers over passenger handling at Pune Railway Station have been causing significant discomfort for travelers. Complaints have been lodged with the railway administration, city traffic police, and the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO), with passengers calling for swift and concrete action.

After passengers arrive at Pune Railway Station, they are often surrounded by rickshaw drivers who aggressively chase and force them into rickshaws, even if the passenger attempts to walk away. Additionally, passengers who head towards the prepaid rickshaw center often face obstruction from other drivers, leaving them confused about which rickshaw option to choose.

There has also been an uptick in incidents of physical altercations between prepaid rickshaw drivers and metered rickshaw drivers at the station, with 13 to 14 cases registered at the Bundgarden police station.

One such incident involved two foreign tourists who were allegedly robbed by a metered rickshaw driver after being charged an inflated fare. The RTO has also received complaints about metered drivers demanding more than the metered fare after reaching the passenger’s destination.

“As per the tariff set by a committee of traffic police, railway administration, and the RTO, passengers at Pune Railway Station should be charged Rs 17 per kilometer,” said Keshav Kshirsagar of the Indian Gig Workers Forum. “Special queues and security measures are provided to ensure passenger safety, and the prepaid rickshaw system, which has been growing in demand, is being hindered by the metered drivers.”

Vijay Rawale, president of the Nationalist Rickshaw Association, responded, stating, “The prepaid rickshaw center is beneficial for both passengers and rickshaw drivers. However, the gig workers’ organization is intimidating metered rickshaw drivers. We have submitted a representation to local police, the RTO, and the traffic police, requesting that the responsibility of the prepaid center be reassigned.”

A passenger shared her experience: “We just want a safe and affordable rickshaw service. If the prepaid center offers that, we would prefer it. But the constant disputes and arguments among drivers outside the station make us wait in a hurry, which is stressful.”

The RTO has acknowledged the concerns raised by the prepaid rickshaw drivers’ association and is working on addressing the issue. “Action will be taken after discussions with the rickshaw driver association’s office bearers,” said Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer. “A letter has been sent to the city traffic police requesting immediate action against drivers who harass passengers.”

Passengers and rickshaw drivers alike are awaiting a resolution to ensure a smoother, safer experience at Pune Railway Station.