Guwahati: The transport operators in Assam, under the banner of the Motor Caravan Sewakarmi Sanmilita Manch, have issued a stern warning to Meghalaya’s taxi associations. The Manch has threatened to halt or limit all tourist operations to Meghalaya, if the associations continue to restrict Assam taxi operators’ access to popular tourist spots.
The Manch’s reaction comes in response to the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association’s (AKMTTA) demand for the Meghalaya government to restrict the movement of Assam tourist taxis within the state.
The Manch has stated that any illegal or unethical activities, such as halting, stopping, damaging, or disturbing the free movement of tourist vehicles, will lead to non-cooperation from all associations of tourist cab operators, trucks, buses, and petroleum tankers. This could disrupt the tourism sector in Meghalaya for an extended period.
The Manch also expressed concerns about the potential impact on Meghalaya-based taxi operators who may face difficulties picking up tourists from Guwahati airport or railway station. Such disruptions could lead to a decline in tourist numbers, negatively affecting the livelihoods of local businesses.
The Manch emphasized that using separate vehicles for each state would significantly increase tour costs, potentially impacting tourism in the region.
Assam-based operators have played a crucial role in promoting tourism in the North East, contributing to increased footfall in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The AKMTTA’s demand for a ban on tourist cabs registered outside of Meghalaya has sparked debate.
These Assam-registered tourist vehicles possess valid permits, including three-state permits for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, and some even have all-India tourist permits. These vehicles contribute significantly to Meghalaya’s revenue.
The Manch urged the Meghalaya government to avoid making unilateral decisions that could harm the region’s tourism sector.
“Tourism is a delicate industry, and disruptions can have long-lasting consequences,” it stated.
The Manch stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the tourism sector in the Northeast.
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“The current situation has already led to cancelled bookings and a shift in itineraries towards Arunachal Pradesh instead of Meghalaya. If this trend continues, Meghalaya’s tourism industry could face a crisis similar to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Motor Parivan Sewakarmi Sanmilita Manch stated.
