Shillong, September 23: The state government has announced plans to study the policies of neighbouring states before deciding how to address the challenges faced by local tourist taxis in Meghalaya. This commitment was made following a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar with the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxis Association (AKMTTA) on Tuesday.
Taxi Drivers Show Solidarity, Appeal to Tourists
Adding further momentum to the ongoing agitation, the Synjuk Ki Nongniah Taxi (Urban & Outskirts) publicly backed AKMTTA’s demands and staged a roadside demonstration at 7 Mile, Upper Shillong on Tuesday. Drivers held banners and placards, with messages such as “Your visit is our benefit,” expressing gratitude to tourists and urging prioritization of local tourist taxis over vehicles from Assam. The group emphasized that supporting local taxis would safeguard the livelihood of Meghalaya’s tourist sector drivers.
Government’s Policy Promise
Deputy Chief Minister Dhar assured that the government, in consultation with AKMTTA, will review policies from Sikkim, Karnataka, and Maharashtra to find a suitable solution for Meghalaya’s tourist taxis. Both parties agreed to work together, maintaining the status quo until a decision is reached, and appealed for calm to avoid any protest during the deliberation period. “Protest should not be there since discussion is ongoing. We are together, and it was a very fruitful meeting. Hopefully, there will be a positive outcome in the coming days,” Dhar said.
Local Benefit Demands Under Consideration
The AKMTTA demanded that government policy ensure local people benefit from tourist hotspots - a proposal now under review by state authorities. Dhar appealed to taxi associations from both Assam and Meghalaya not to disrupt vehicle movement while the matter is under consideration.
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With solidarity from Shillong’s urban taxi drivers and a renewed government promise to review and learn from neighbouring states' policies, Meghalaya’s tourist taxi sector is moving towards a collaborative resolution that aims to protect the livelihoods of local drivers and provide benefits for the wider community.
