Online Cab and Bike Services Face Entry Barriers at Agartala Airport and Railway Station, Passengers Allege ‘Auto Syndicate’ Obstruction
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 18, 2026
Despite repeated emphasis by the government on improving passenger convenience and strengthening modern transport services, allegations have surfaced that app-based transport services such as Uber and Rapido are facing difficulties entering key passenger terminals in Tripura, including Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport and Agartala Railway Station.
Passengers have alleged that vehicles booked through online platforms are sometimes prevented from entering the airport and railway station premises, while additional charges are reportedly demanded when app-based vehicles enter the terminals to pick up or drop off passengers. The allegations have raised questions over whether such practices are creating an uneven playing field between traditional auto-rickshaws and app-based transport services.
According to a passenger who recently booked an Uber to reach MBB Airport, the driver reportedly informed the passenger that an additional Rs.30 would have to be paid if the vehicle entered the airport premises. The passenger questioned why an additional amount should be payable merely for allowing an online-booked vehicle to enter the airport for passenger drop, particularly when no such charge is commonly noticed at many other airports.
The passenger alleged that the additional charge has also become one of the reasons why some Uber drivers are reluctant to enter the airport premises. According to the complaint, auto-rickshaws entering the airport reportedly have to pay around Rs.30 as a parking/entry-related charge to the airport authorities, and the cost is consequently sought from passengers using app-based services.
Similar allegations have emerged regarding Agartala Railway Station. Passengers claim that online-booked vehicles, including Uber and Rapido, often face restrictions or resistance when attempting to enter the station premises for passenger pickup or drop-off. According to allegations, charges Rs.10 may be involved for vehicles entering the railway station area.
The issue is reportedly more noticeable in the case of app-based two-wheeler services. Passengers allege that when a Rapido rider enters the Badarghat railway station area with a passenger, an additional charge of around Rs.10 is demanded. Questions have also been raised over the manner in which such collections are being made.
Passengers claim that individuals can be seen sitting at a designated location near the station with tables and receipt books and allegedly issuing receipts for the additional amount when vehicles carrying passengers enter the premises. The exact authority under which such collections are being made, the applicable rules and whether the charges apply uniformly to all categories of passenger vehicles.
The controversy has also triggered allegations of an auto syndicate influencing access to important transport terminals. Passengers and users of online transport services have questioned whether app-based vehicles are being discouraged from entering the airport and railway station in order to protect the traditional auto-rickshaw business operating around these locations.
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