Passengers using Nerul railway station in Navi Mumbai have alleged harassment and obstruction by shared auto-rickshaw drivers outside the station’s eastern exit, prompting calls for coordinated action by the Regional Transport Office, police and transport authorities.
The complaints concern the area outside Nerul station on the Nerul–Uran rail route, where shared rickshaws operating towards Kharghar are reportedly being stationed near the entrance. According to the report, some women passengers have alleged that drivers attempt to physically pull or pressure them into taking rides even when they do not wish to travel by auto-rickshaw.
The rickshaws are also reportedly being parked at a Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport bus stop, creating congestion and confusion near the station. The location includes an NMMT control centre, but the report states that drivers have continued to operate in the area despite objections. Passengers have also submitted complaints at police stations, according to the report.
The issue predates the opening of the Nerul–Uran railway line, with shared rickshaws operating between Nerul and Kharghar for some time. A sign installed by the City and Industrial Development Corporation reportedly states that rickshaw drivers are prohibited from entering the area near the station. The report says the restriction has not prevented the alleged parking and solicitation activity.
The complaints have led to demands for a permanent solution involving the sub-regional transport office, police, NMMT and the relevant local authorities. The report identifies Dattatray Sagolkar, an officer of the Regional Transport Office, as assuring strict action over the complaints. The specific enforcement measures, timeline and responsibility for clearing the bus-stop area were not detailed in the report.
The Nerul station authorities and transport agencies are expected to determine how the access area, bus stop and shared-rickshaw operations will be regulated. Until then, the reported dispute remains centred on passenger safety, station access and enforcement of restrictions around a major public-transport interchange.
