South Mumbai taxi drivers protest as private cars occupy designated stands

Taxi drivers have complained that their designated parking stands near Marine Drive in South Mumbai are invariably being occupied by private vehicles. Two of the spots are at either end of G Road near Marine Lines railway station. While two others are on nearby D Road and outside the Churchgate railway station entrance on IMC Marg.

The taxi parking spot outside Churchgate station on IMC Marg. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE

A traffic police officer who patrols the area, requesting anonymity, said, “We act against all violators, and don’t differentiate between private vehicles and taxis. When we see a private vehicle about to park in a taxi parking zone, we stop the motorist. But it is difficult to always keep an eye on them, as the lanes outnumber us.”

Taxi drivers’ tribulations

‘When private cars are parked in our spots, we have no other option but to cross the parking limit or double park, resulting in challans that eat into our earnings. While it is unfair, I have also seen traffic cops acting against offending motorists, as well. This, at least, happens at the parking spot at the end of G Road’
Ram Pukar, driver with 25 years’ experience

‘When we violate the rules, we are charged about Rs 1500, sometimes an entire day’s earnings. I have gone to the traffic cops to request that they void the charges since I wasn’t technically in the wrong. But they say that their hands are tied. I have rarely seen the cops act against errant motorists’
Kedar Rajak, driver with at least a decade’s experience

 ‘Being fined for parking outside designated spots is fair. But I have not seen private vehicles being charged for violations. If we are charged Rs 1500 to Rs 2000 in fines, we have to let go of a day or two’s earnings’ 
Giyalal Sonakar, driver with 23 years’ experience

Official Speak

‘We have not heard about the issue occurring on a large scale. Most of the time, such instances are dealt with and sorted out by on-ground personnel. If it does become a rampant issue, we will definitely look into taking care of it’
Anil Kumbhare, joint commissioner of police (traffic)