The newly developed Panchkula side of Chandigarh Railway Station is facing criticism from passengers due to mismanagement in the parking area. Since operations began two months ago, travelers have highlighted issues ranging from high parking fees to the lack of safety for their vehicles. Official statements from railway authorities confirm that the contractor is responsible for these lapses, yet commuters continue to face difficulties on the ground.
🗞️: Bihar Government orders DMs to remove encroachment from railway land immediately।
What are the concerns regarding parking fees and signage?
Passengers report that parking staff are charging 85 rupees for two-wheelers by treating them as commercial vehicles. This happens frequently when private vehicle owners accidentally enter the commercial lane. Additionally, there are no fee boards placed at the entrance or exit points, leaving many unaware of the actual rates. The difference in rates between the Chandigarh and Panchkula sides is also a major point of confusion for daily commuters. The following rates are reportedly being charged:
| Vehicle Category | Duration | Fee Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Private Pick and Drop | First 10 Minutes | Free |
| Private Pick and Drop | Up to 20 Minutes | 50 rupees |
| Private Pick and Drop | Up to 1 Hour | 100 rupees |
| Commercial Pick and Drop | Flat Rate | 30 rupees |
| Two-Wheeler | Commercial Rate | 85 rupees |
What action are railway officials taking on security issues?
Security remains a significant worry as six vehicles were reportedly stolen from the parking premises in just two months. While the parking staff often denies responsibility, C.M.I. Chandigarh Rajesh Marwah stated that the contractor is legally liable for any vehicle theft as per the tender conditions. Senior D.C.M. Yashunjeet Singh mentioned that if the contractor fails to display fee boards correctly or misbehaves with passengers, strict action will be taken against them. Many passengers have shared instances where staff refused to help after thefts were reported, redirecting them solely to the Railway Police.