Service of Battery-Operated cars at Pune railway station stopped

The Pune Railway Coolie Association has fiercely opposed the service of ferrying the passengers’ luggage instead of them, so the railway once again stopped the battery-operated cars (BOCs), which is a setback for passengers commuting from Pune railway station. All things considered, the BOC service proved helpful to senior citizens, physically challenged passengers, and those who found it challenging to navigate the platforms in the station.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ram Paul Barpagga, PRO, Pune Railway Station, said “Actually, they have opposed the BOCs ferrying luggage too as they say that it has hit to their daily earnings as their work is to ferry the luggage of passengers at a fixed price. However, the Railway will discuss this with them & an amicable solution will be reached.”

The Pune Railway Division launched the BOCs services at the Pune railway station in August 2023 following three failed attempts to launch these BOCs in the previous ten years. However, it has been noted that this service has abruptly stopped. Senior citizens and physically disabled passengers were satisfied with this service even though the fees were ₹50.

A Pune Railway Coolie Association representative said that they object to these BOC’s operating at the Pune railway station because they are a threat to their livelihood. These vehicles are transporting the luggage; while they have nothing against people traveling in them, they vehemently object if they are also carrying luggage, as that is not permitted.

Shreyas Vange