Pick-&drop fee riles passengers at Chandigarh railway station

Fee kicks in as soon as a vehicle enters the railway station from Panchkula side; not willing to pay, auto, taxi drivers dropping passengers outside

- Aarya Kumari & Jasmeh Kaur

CHANDIGARH: Passengers arriving at the Chandigarh railway station's Panchkula side are finding themselves caught in a perplexing situation—forced to pay parking charges even for the briefest pick-up or drop-off.

This levy is compelling drivers of auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and taxis to avoid entering the station premises altogether, leaving passengers to navigate a considerable distance, often burdened with luggage, just to reach the main entrance.

The root of the problem lies in a clear directive displayed at the station: "Pick and drop facility is not available."

This applies even to vehicles pausing for under two minutes. For taxis and cabs, entry attracts a ₹40 charge, while e-rickshaws and auto-rickshaws face a ₹20 fee. Astonishingly, even bicycles are subject to an entry cost.

"The passengers often want us to drop them near the entrance, but it is not possible because whatever we earn will be given in parking," lamented Balwinder, an auto driver, echoing the sentiment of many.