Autorickshaw drivers put passengers to hardship at Central Railway Station

Autorickshaw Drivers Turn Chennai Central into a Nightmare for Passengers

By Our Special Correspondent
Chennai | April 18, 2025

Arriving at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. MGR Central Railway Station should mark the end of a journey. However, for many travelers, it unfortunately signals the beginning of a new ordeal. Especially during early mornings and late-night hours, a swarm of autorickshaw drivers aggressively approach passengers, creating chaos and confusion at the station’s exit gates.

“It Felt Like I Was Being Hunted”

Karthik, a software engineer, got off the train at 4:45 a.m. after a tiring overnight journey from Bengaluru. As soon as he stepped out of the station, he barely had time to catch his breath before a group of autorickshaw drivers surrounded him. One grabbed his bag, while another shouted random destinations. The rest trailed him closely, ignoring his repeated refusals. Eventually, he told them he had a cab waiting, but they didn’t care. Therefore, he was forced to push through and cross the road with his bag just to reach his cab.

His cab couldn’t enter the station premises because the autorickshaw drivers block the area and threaten cab drivers who attempt to come near the pickup zone. Consequently, passengers like Karthik must walk further with their luggage, often in the dark or in unfamiliar surroundings.

Harassment, Overcharging, and Intimidation Are Common Complaints

Many passengers, particularly women and senior citizens, feel unsafe at the station. In fact, some say they have been quoted two to three times the regular fare. Others report that the drivers simply refuse to use meters. For example, Sushma Iyer, a frequent traveler from Hyderabad, described a frightening experience: “I was with my 6-year-old daughter at 5 a.m. I had to drag my suitcase and keep her close while autos followed us. I felt helpless.”

Furthermore, several people say the behavior borders on harassment. The lack of proper monitoring or law enforcement only adds to their frustration. As a result, passengers are left to fend for themselves, which often leads to unnecessary stress at the start or end of their journey.

Where Is the Security?

Passengers rarely see security personnel during early hours. This absence raises concerns among many, who wonder why authorities allow such behavior at one of the country’s busiest railway stations. For instance, Rahul Srinivasan, a college professor, remarked, “Every time I visit Chennai, I deal with this nonsense. Why can’t the police or the Railway Protection Force control this mess?”

Even app-based cab drivers confirm the threat. “We wait near the hospital, not at the station. If we go near the entrance, they damage our vehicles or threaten us,” said a driver who requested anonymity. Clearly, the problem affects both passengers and cab drivers, leading to a breakdown in basic transport services.

The System Needs Serious Fixing

Although Chennai once introduced prepaid auto booths and designated areas for taxis, these systems no longer work effectively. For instance, passengers claim the booths are either unmanned or ignored by drivers. Even if a traveler gets a fare slip, the driver often refuses to go unless paid extra. Consequently, these official measures have failed to provide relief.

Tourists and first-time visitors leave the station with a poor first impression of the city. As Shalini Menon, a volunteer with a travel assistance group, points out, “It’s the first thing they experience when they arrive. That matters.” If visitors are greeted with chaos and intimidation, they are unlikely to remember Chennai fondly.

Officials Promise Action — Yet Again

Southern Railway officials admit that they’re aware of the issue. A senior official stated, “We’ve taken this up with the city police and the transport department. We’re planning a centralized transport area to regulate taxis and autos.” However, regular passengers remain skeptical. They say they’ve heard similar promises in the past, with little to no lasting change on the ground.

What Can Be Done?

Citizens and travelers have come forward with practical solutions to address the situation. For instance, many suggest establishing round-the-clock police presence at exit gates. In addition, clearly marked zones for app cabs inside the station would help streamline pickup and drop-off. Furthermore, implementing digital fare boards could prevent overcharging and disputes. Setting up a public helpline or mobile app would also enable passengers to report harassment quickly and easily.

Advocate Dinesh Rao, who has taken up similar issues at the airport, believes strict rules are the only answer. “A handful of drivers cannot hold the city hostage. Passengers have rights,” he says. Consequently, only consistent enforcement will bring lasting relief.

Until Then, Travelers Remain on Alert

Until changes take effect, people like Karthik and Sushma must stay alert and push their way through crowds that simply do not take “no” for an answer. In the meantime, passengers continue to hope that authorities will take strong action. Otherwise, every arrival at Chennai Central will continue to be marred by avoidable stress and frustration.

“It’s not the train journey that exhausts you,” Karthik summed up. “It’s what happens after you step off.”