Auto and taxi drivers protest against parking charges at railway station

Autorikshaw drivers went on indefinite strike after the railways introduce parking charges for them and other commercial vehicles. The railway administration introduce the parking charges for suits, taxis and other commercial vehicles utilizing the railway premises.

The Vadodara Division of Western Railway introduced parking charges vehicles utilizing the facility of parking in Railway Premises. In a first, the Division has issued contract on the same lines for the Auto/ Taxi parking lanes at the Eastern side of Vadodara Railway station and at the Eastern part of Nadiad Railway station in the first phase.The same will be gradually rolled out to other stations of Vadodara division where there is a dearth of parking space. The move has been initiated as a result of new policy introduced by Railway board and is a part of broader perspective to generate revenue from Railway assets as part of non fare revenue generation and to provide better amenities to the travelling public.

With the new charges the autos have to pay 10rs for 2 hours, 15 till 6hrs and 20 for 12 hrs. Similarly the taxis have to pay 20rs for 3hrs, 30 for 6hrs, 35 for 12hrs and 40 for up to 24hrs.Taking a strong stand against the parking charges the rickshaw and taxi drivers plying from railway station collectively protest outside the railway station on Saturday morning. They shouted slogans against the railway administration and decide not to run their vehicles. The strike left the passengers in delima as they are seen trying to search for other options.