Prepaid Taxi from Airport operated by Traffic police and Saavari cab services(Hyderabad)

Travelling in big Indian cities can often be expensive and stressful, especially when it comes to airport transfers. Recently, I had experiences in both Delhi and Hyderabad that made me realize how convenient and affordable government taxi services can be compared to private taxi brands.

When we travelled from the airport in Delhi to the railway station, we first enquired with several private taxi vendors about their fares. After comparing prices, we discovered that the government taxi service, Bharat Taxi, was the best option. It seemed genuine, reliable, and did not pinch our pocket.

The government taxi service(operated by Traffic Police) offered two types of fares — a cheaper non-AC option and a slightly more expensive AC option. Considering the heavy traffic and long travel time in Delhi, we found this system quite reasonable. The roads were tightly packed with vehicles, traffic jams were everywhere, and there were numerous traffic signals on the way. Our taxi driver was a decent and helpful person who guided us through Sardar Patel Road, which appeared like a long river meandering through the city, lined with government houses and buildings representing different states of India.

A similar experience happened when we arrived late at night at the airport in Hyderabad around 8:30 PM. Initially, we decided to hire taxis from branded private companies. However, their rates were sky-rocketing. Due to CNG cylinders occupying boot space, many of the smaller cars could not accommodate luggage properly. Although we were only three passengers, they insisted that we book a larger van, making the fare even more expensive.

Eventually, we chose the government taxi service instead. Even after adding an extra Rs. 50 toll charge, the fare was much lower than that quoted by the private taxi operators. What impressed me the most was the spacious sedan provided by the government taxi service. All three of our bags fit comfortably in the boot, and there was still ample space left.

These experiences taught me an important lesson: while travelling, it is wise to compare options carefully instead of immediately choosing branded services. The money saved on transportation can always be used for other important needs or enjoyable experiences during the journey. While travelling to the airport, it is often better to pre-book a cab through the Savaari cab service. It is reliable and transparent in pricing. Unlike many private taxi operators, they usually do not impose hidden charges or increase fares during heavy traffic or busy routes. The only condition is that the cab needs to be booked in advance. Proper pre-booking can save both money and last-minute stress during travel.

                                      https://www.savaari.com/

Safar from Chandigarh to Hyderabad

 We had to travel to Hyderabad from Chandigarh. We reserved our railway tickets on the Shatabdi Express three months in advance, anticipating a smooth and comfortable journey. However, it turned out to be a roller coaster ride and a memorable adventure.

From our society, we booked a seven-seater uber cab – a spacious one – with ample legroom and enough space for all five family members: three teenagers and two adults. Each of us had a 15 kg suitcase, a handbag, and one extra, hefty food bag, bursting at the seams. If it had been a person, it would have been pitifully complaining.

We reached the railway station an hour early and waited in the bustling waiting hall. When the train arrived, we all hopped on. The train was scheduled to reach Delhi at 3:25 pm but was over an hour late, arriving at 4:30 pm. After that, we headed to the metro station.

All our luggage – five 15 kg suitcases, five 7 kg bags, two purses, and the heavy food bag – had to be scanned. There was a lot of hustle and bustle, with separate lines for males and females. We bought tickets to Aerocity, Delhi, for Rs. 50 each. Later, we learned we needed to take a shuttle for Rs. 40 each. We purchased the shuttle tickets and trudged to the bus stop with our heavy luggage.

On 28th May, the temperature in Delhi soared to a scorching 52.6 degrees Celsius. The situation was pathetic: only one shuttle bus was available, making round trips to the airport. We stood in the sweltering heat for about half an hour without any shade. Taxi drivers offered to take us for Rs. 100 per head, suggesting we return the bus tickets. It seemed like collusion between the cab drivers and the ticket seller, as it was a government-run shuttle service. Two other buses stood roadside, deemed out of order by the caretaker, leaving just one functioning bus. He suggested we take a taxi if we were in a hurry.

Just as we were losing hope, a bus finally arrived, bringing a sigh of relief. We boarded and reached the airport in 25 minutes. The ride was bumpy, and the driver initially struggled to start the bus.

After rushing through the security check, we finally relaxed upon boarding the plane. Upon reaching our destination, Hyderabad, we collected our luggage, exited the airport at 11:30 pm, booked an Uber, and headed home.

Thus, our long journey, starting at 8:30 am and ending at 1 am, was thrilling, memorable, and filled with incidents that added to our experience.

Anunidhi Sharma