Shillong: Tourist taxi services between Meghalaya and Assam came to a standstill on Wednesday in response to a 24-hour nationwide transport strike called by central trade unions and national federations.
The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) had earlier announced its participation, confirming that no tourist taxis would operate from Meghalaya to Guwahati or other destinations in Assam on the day of the strike.
The strike, also referred to as a ‘chakka jam’, was organized to highlight key demands of transport workers across India.
These include the rollback of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019, removal of the controversial ‘Hit and Run’ clause under Article 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), opposition to satellite-based toll systems, and stronger protections for transport workers’ rights.
Other issues raised include high traffic penalties, complex pollution certification procedures, and lack of essential facilities for transport workers on highways.
AKMTTA, in a statement, said its counterparts in Assam had confirmed strict enforcement of the strike, prompting Meghalaya-based operators to halt services as a safety precaution.
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“All affiliated taxi units have unanimously agreed to suspend cross-border services for the day,” the association said, while also appealing to drivers not to exploit the situation by overcharging for short-distance routes, particularly those running to Jorabat on the Assam-Meghalaya border.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and ask for the public’s patience and cooperation during this period,” it added.
Taxi operations are expected to return to normal on Thursday.
