Parking fee hike at rly station sparks outrage

A steep hike in two-wheeler parking fees at Bhubaneswar railway station has triggered strong resentment among commuters, who termed the sudden move as arbitrary and unjustified.

- MANOJ KUMAR JENA, OP

Many bike owners, who had parked their vehicles during the Raja holidays, were shocked to discover the revised rates upon returning. The daily fee for two-wheelers shot up from ₹12 to ₹94, while bicycle charges increased from ₹5 to ₹24 overnight. Monthly parking fees were also raised significantly. Sources said the parking contract is renewed every three years. The new rates came into effect from June 13, following the handover of the parking space by the previous contractor, Maa Tarini Security Services.