Sambalpur: Passengers Struggle Without Prepaid Auto Service at Sambalpur Railway Station; Face Overcharging

Passengers Face Challenges at Sambalpur Station

Sambalpur: Sambalpur railway station still lacks a prepaid auto-rickshaw system, leaving passengers to rely on inconsistent fares. Despite plans to modernize the station to meet national standards, the absence of a structured auto system causes inconvenience. Travelers often pay exorbitant rates, such as Rs. 100 for a distance of just 1 km. Many visitors from outside Sambalpur complain about arbitrary fares and exploitation by auto drivers.

Key Role of Sambalpur Station

Established in 1889, Sambalpur railway station serves as a major hub in western Odisha and the headquarters of the Sambalpur railway division. With 11 daily train departures and several bi-weekly or tri-weekly trains, around 56 trains operate here every day, catering to over one lakh passengers. The station connects directly to cities like Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi, making it a crucial transit point.

Dependence on Autos After Gate Station Closure

Since the closure of Sambalpur Road (Gate) station, passengers now depend heavily on autos from Sambalpur Junction (Khetrajpur station). Thousands of passengers use this station daily but face high fares set arbitrarily by drivers. Women and children, especially at night, are forced to pay two to three times the usual rates due to a lack of safer options. Though passengers express grievances, authorities have yet to act.

Long-Standing Demand for Prepaid Auto Service

For years, residents have demanded a prepaid auto system at the station to regulate fares and prevent exploitation. However, this demand has been ignored. At night, the absence of such a system leads to further fare hikes and inconvenience.

Authorities Respond to the Issue

• Mukesh Kumar Bhamu, Sambalpur SP:
  “Prepaid auto service cannot be implemented by police alone. It requires coordination among the police, RTO, and railway authorities. A list of auto drivers and their permits will be prepared, and a joint meeting will be held to finalize the system soon.”
• Ramdas Tudu, Sambalpur RTO:
  “We will form a committee to determine fixed fares for different routes. Necessary steps will be taken to address the issue.”
• Govind Agrawal, Railway User Committee Member:
  “Railways do not manage prepaid auto systems. However, we can provide space, and the police and local administration can implement the system effectively.”

Passenger Exploitation Persists

With no concrete solution in place, passengers continue to suffer due to the absence of prepaid auto services. Until authorities act decisively, the issue of overcharging and exploitation by auto drivers at Sambalpur Railway Station is likely to persist.