Meghalaya Dismisses Restrictions on Assam Tourist Taxis, Focuses on Local Solutions

GG News Bureau
Shillong, 20th July. Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has firmly rejected recent demands to restrict Assam tourist taxis from operating sightseeing trips within Meghalaya. The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association had proposed that Assam taxis only drop off visitors in Shillong and that local taxis be used for further travel within the state. The intention was to secure more stable income for local taxi drivers.

However, Minister Lyngdoh stated that such a restriction is not feasible and would negatively impact Meghalaya taxi drivers who travel to Assam. He emphasized that the national permits held by these tourist taxis complicate any attempt to limit their operations.

Addressing concerns, Lyngdoh convened a meeting with Additional Chief Secretary Shakeel Ahammed, Director of Tourism Cyril V Diengdoh, and other officials to explore ways to improve livelihood opportunities for local taxi drivers. The discussions revealed multiple issues, including fragmented representation among taxi associations and stagnant growth in the number of local taxis despite increasing demand.

Lyngdoh plans to invite all taxi associations to a forthcoming meeting to ensure a collaborative approach to improving the sector. He stressed the importance of finding solutions that benefit both local drivers and the broader tourism industry, avoiding negative repercussions for Meghalaya’s tourism sector.

The minister pointed out that any measures should account for the interconnected nature of travel between Meghalaya and Assam. He referenced the Sikkim model, where only local taxis operate within the state’s tourist areas, but noted that such an approach may not be applicable to Meghalaya due to its dependency on Assam for transportation services.

Lyngdoh emphasized the need for a balanced and responsible approach, considering the impact on both tourists and local transportation services.