With online cab services like Ola, Uber, and Rapido remaining off the roads for the fourth consecutive day, passengers at Biju Patnaik International Airport continue to face severe inconvenience.
In response, the Airport Police Station has deployed eight PCR vans to assist stranded travellers, especially senior citizens and patients.
Airport Police Officer Rabindranath Meher said PCR vans are not only ferrying passengers locally but also dropping vulnerable travellers at their homes when required. The move comes as the cab drivers’ strike over fixed fares and government regulation has paralysed transport services, leaving many passengers waiting for hours.
Commissionerate Police emphasised that public service remains their priority during the strike. Senior citizens expressed gratitude, noting that police vehicles provided relief when no taxis or autos were available. However, they urged for a quick resolution to the strike to restore normalcy.
The strike, which began on August 17, has already turned violent in parts of the city, with clashes between protesters and police at Master Canteen. Several drivers have been arrested, and discussions are underway to resume online cab operations and reopen service counters at the airport.
