Amid Sunday lockdown, trains were being operated for travelling to other cities and State. Many passengers faced inconvenience when they reached Bhopal and Habibganj Railway Station as there was no local transportation. Passengers who reached the city from other states or towns were forced to walk several kilometers with heavy luggage as auto and private cabs were not being operated. Even pre-paid booth remained closed for public transportation. Railway officials said that pre-paid tax booth is being run by traffic police and district administration so they cannot take responsibility for the same.

 

Taking advantage of the situation, few private cabs and taxis on city roads were charging hefty amount from the passengers for a short distance. Passengers said that they faced inconvenience after deboarding the train as there was shortage of local public transportation. There were limited number of private taxis, autos and cabs plying on road but they were overcharging. They said, especially during night hours, private taxis were charging more than double amount. Sumita Tomar, a passenger at Habibganj Railway Station said, “I came from Delhi on Sunday morning but I was unaware of lockdown. When I stepped out of station, there were hardly one or two autos and they were charging like flight charges. But I had no other option so I paid Rs 500 for travelling just five kms. In normal days, they charge Rs 100 to 150 for this distance.”