Rs 12 to Rs 94: Eight-fold spike in parking fees at Bhubaneswar railway station brews resentment

A steep hike in parking fees at the Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) has triggered widespread public outrage, with commuters finding themselves slapped with unexpectedly high bills. In some cases, daily charges jumped nearly eight times overnight, leaving vehicle owners puzzled and frustrated.

Sources cited accounts of commuters who had left their bikes at the parking lot during the Raja holidays were in for a rude shock upon return.

One motorcyclist, who had previously paid Rs 12 per day, was asked to cough up Rs 94 per day, totalling Rs 318 for just about three days. Cyclists faced similar surprises, with rates rising from Rs 5 to Rs 24 per day. Notably, the charges for car parking have gone up to Rs 142, adding to the confusion and dissatisfaction.

Sudden Vendor Shift Behind the Spike

The abrupt price revision coincided with a change in the parking vendor at the station. According to reports, until June 12, Maa Tarini Security Services was managing the East Coast Railway (ECoR)-approved parking zone.

From June 13, operations were handed over to D&S Associates, who immediately implemented the new rates. However, there was no official public notification or clear signage indicating the hike, leading many to unknowingly park their vehicles and get penalised later.

Officials present at the site claimed ignorance. “We are just following what we’ve been told,” said one staffer. Attempts to contact the designated railway authorities for a formal response were unsuccessful.

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Private Parking Cheaper and More Transparent

Ironically, a privately-run parking lot adjacent to the railway station continues to offer 24-hour parking for just Rs 20, as displayed on its clearly written board.

In contrast, the government-authorised parking charges Rs 94 for the same duration. Questions have flooded as to why regulated spaces are more expensive than private alternatives, despite offering no additional benefits.

“There are two parking lots on either side of Master Canteen station. Both serve the same purpose, yet the price difference is shocking,” remarked a commuter.

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Public Demands Regulation, Accountability

Many affected vehicle owners are demanding that the railway authorities roll back the hike or justify the surge with formal communication.

“We’ve parked here for years, but never seen such an arbitrary jump in rates,” said another commuter, warning that such actions will discourage people from using official parking facilities.