‘24/7 prepaid taxi counter at Chennai Central locked at night’

I am a senior citizen and a frequent user of Indian Railways, regularly travelling to and from Chennai Central Railway Station. Over the last one month, on two occasions when I returned to Chennai by night trains, after 9 p.m., I faced serious inconvenience due to the non-functioning prepaid taxi and auto counter at the station. When app-based taxis or autos are unavailable, prepaid services are the safest and most reliable option for passengers, especially senior citizens. However, I found that the prepaid counter was locked and unattended, even though it is supposed to operate 24/7. While several autos and taxis were lined up outside, drivers directly approached passengers and quoted unreasonably high and arbitrary fares. When questioned about the absence of staff at the prepaid counter, the drivers casually stated that the officials had “gone out.” Despite waiting for some time, no police personnel or station staff were available to provide clarification or assistance.

I am a senior citizen and a frequent user of Indian Railways, regularly travelling to and from Chennai Central Railway Station. Over the last one month, on two occasions when I returned to Chennai by night trains, after 9 p.m., I faced serious inconvenience due to the non-functioning prepaid taxi and auto counter at the station.

When app-based taxis or autos are unavailable, prepaid services are the safest and most reliable option for passengers, especially senior citizens. However, I found that the prepaid counter was locked and unattended, even though it is supposed to operate 24/7. While several autos and taxis were lined up outside, drivers directly approached passengers and quoted unreasonably high and arbitrary fares. When questioned about the absence of staff at the prepaid counter, the drivers casually stated that the officials had “gone out.” Despite waiting for some time, no police personnel or station staff were available to provide clarification or assistance.

I wish to highlight that in other major cities across India, prepaid taxi and auto counters function efficiently and provide protection against such exploitation. Unfortunately, this situation at Chennai Central not only causes hardship to passengers but also creates a very poor impression of the city.

I request the authorities concerned to kindly intervene and ensure proper round-the-clock functioning of the prepaid taxi and auto counter, with adequate monitoring and staff accountability. This will greatly help senior citizens, women, and outstation passengers and prevent exploitation.

(Balu N. is a frequent long-distance train traveller, boarding trains at Chennai Central and Egmore stations)