SHILLONG : The Meghalaya government has approved a proposal to develop a dedicated tourist taxi hub at Umtyngar, featuring a parking lot, food court, café and toilets to facilitate tourist pick-up and drop-off services.
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar announced the decision after a high-level meeting with tourism stakeholders on Monday, aimed at addressing long-standing issues affecting tourist transportation in the state.
The meeting, convened by the Transport Department, was attended by representatives of tourist taxi associations, hoteliers, homestay owners, tour guides and officials from the Tourism Department, along with the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police.
Describing the discussions as “very fruitful and positive”, Dhar said the government had given its approval for the proposed facility at Umtyngar, which would provide essential amenities while serving as a central point for tourist transportation.
“We have decided we will put a very good parking lot with full civic amenities somewhere around Umtyngar along with a food court, cafe, toilet. It will become like a tourist spot in the form of dropping and picking up points. We have given the okay from the government,” he said.
Dhar added that the government intends to replicate the model at other locations in the future.
Another key outcome of the meeting was the formation of a joint coordination committee comprising representatives of tourist taxi associations, hotels, homestays and tour guides. The committee will explore ways to increase the use of local taxis by hotels and other tourism establishments, ensuring that local operators receive more business.
“I requested them if it is possible to use our local taxis to help them get good trips in the days to come. They have formed a committee which will work out in such a manner that maximum possibility, even from the hotels, they will use our local taxis,” Dhar said.
“Our objective is that nobody should be harmed and tourism in Meghalaya should be promoted,” he added.
Acknowledging a decline in tourist arrivals over the past few days, the Deputy Chief Minister said tourist footfall was beginning to recover and expressed hope that the meeting’s outcomes would help restore confidence in Meghalaya’s tourism sector.
He also clarified that the land proposed for the Umtyngar facility belongs to the community and would be provided free of cost, while the Transport Department would bear the development expenses.
On the ongoing taxi dispute between Assam and Meghalaya, Dhar said the associations from both states should resolve the matter through discussions among themselves.
Addressing concerns over tourist safety, particularly along the Sohra circuit, he said the government was planning round-the-clock police monitoring and CCTV surveillance to prevent disturbances and ensure the safety of visitors.
“Police should monitor 24 hours to ensure safety and ensure there is no disturbance. Homestays should put CCTV cameras and police will ensure patrolling 24 hours,” Dhar said.