Gorakhpur Junction Prepaid Taxi Booth Closed, Passengers Allege Overcharging

Passengers arriving at the Gorakhpur railway station, particularly during night hours, are facing overcharging following the closure of the prepaid taxi booth. While e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available during the day, passengers arriving late at night allege that drivers demand arbitrary and inflated fares.

Passengers claim that drivers often justify the high charges by referring to a fare list displayed near the Government Railway Police (GRP) booth. Around 250 e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and private vehicles operate daily from the station premises.

ALSO READ: Bulandhshahr Horror: 5-Year-Old Dies After Being Gang-Raped, Thrown From Terrace; Mother Finds Slipper In Accused's Room

A prepaid taxi service was introduced in 2023 to ensure passenger convenience and safety. The 24-hour booking facility, located near the Passenger Assistance Office, was aimed at providing transparent and fixed fares. However, the service was discontinued within a few months and has not been revived since.

Railway sources said the responsibility of operating the prepaid taxi service was assigned to a private agency. Due to high fares, passenger turnout remained low, making the system financially unviable.

Several passengers have shared instances of overcharging. On Friday night, an auto-rickshaw driver allegedly demanded Rs 400 from Vinod Kumar, a resident of Kusmhi Bazar, who had returned from Patna. After negotiations, the fare was reduced to Rs 300, which he declined. Eventually, another driver agreed to take him for Rs 250. Vinod Kumar said that drivers tend to charge higher fares at night, adding that safety also becomes a concern during late hours.

ALSO READ: Bihar Mines Dept Fixes Routes, GPS To Curb Illegal Sand Mining

On Saturday, staff at the stand near the GRP booth confirmed that the prepaid taxi service is currently non-operational. Vehicles are allowed to park at the stand for Rs 30 for six hours, while fares are fixed independently by drivers based on distance. For security purposes, driver details are recorded. A fare chart is displayed near the GRP police booth opposite the AC lounge, though passengers claim there is little clarity on how the rates are determined.

Responding to the issue, Chief Public Relations Officer Pankaj Kumar Singh said passenger safety and convenience remain a priority for the Railways, and appropriate action will be taken after gathering detailed information regarding the prepaid taxi facility.