SHILLONG : Assam officials have assured Meghalaya tourist taxi operators that designated parking spaces will be provided at Guwahati Airport and railway stations, while seeking 15 days to remove middlemen allegedly operating at Khanapara, Paltan Bazar and airport areas.
The assurance was given during a joint meeting held on Tuesday between leaders of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), its Assam counterparts and officials from both states.
AKMTTA spokesperson Balajied Jyrwa said the meeting discussed the difficulties faced by Meghalaya tourist taxi drivers while picking up passengers from Kamakhya Railway Station and Guwahati Airport, including alleged obstruction and harassment.
“Assam officials have assured us that they will not disturb us and will provide designated places so that we can freely pick up passengers,” Jyrwa said.
Assam seeks 15 days to act against dalals
The issue of dalals and middlemen allegedly charging high commissions to Meghalaya taxi operators was also discussed during the meeting.
According to Jyrwa, Assam officials have sought 15 days to crack down on the middlemen, after which Meghalaya tourist taxi drivers are expected to be able to pick up passengers directly.
“Assam officials have sought 15 days to crack down on them. After that, we will be able to take passengers directly,” he said.
Both states willing to implement RTA
The meeting also discussed the implementation of the Regional Transport Agreement (RTA) between Assam and Meghalaya.
Jyrwa said both governments have expressed willingness to implement the agreement, which was explained by representatives from Assam during the meeting.
“We suggested reviving the Joint Action Committee between Assam and Meghalaya to discuss and decide the number of vehicles to be allowed per day, as it involves trucks and all commercial vehicles of both states. We will revive the JAC and submit a proposal to the government,” he said.
Assam will also provide a helpline number for Meghalaya tourist taxi drivers to contact in case they face problems while operating in the state.
No final assurance on outside vehicles in Meghalaya
On the demand to restrict tourist vehicles from other states from entering tourist destinations in Meghalaya, Jyrwa said there was still no final assurance from the Assam side.
“We are not satisfied on this count as there is no 100 percent assurance to stop outside vehicles from going to tourist spots to ensure livelihood for our local people,” he said.
Follow-up meeting on September 28
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for September 28, involving representatives from the tourism and transport departments, hotels, tourist guides, homestays and travel agencies.
The meeting will discuss why local Meghalaya taxis are not being preferred by tourists and explore ways to increase opportunities for local taxi operators.
Jyrwa said the Assam side has also asked Meghalaya representatives to help identify halting points for outside vehicles at Sohra, Jaintia Hills, the ISBT and other locations.
“We will cooperate to expedite the process of restricting outside vehicles from entering tourist spots,” he added.