The odd-even rule imposed by the district administration to restrict the entry of public transport to Khyndailad and Motphran is not welcomed by the taxi drivers union who have decided to move the Meghalaya High Court to challenge the restriction.
EKHLTWA President Wandonbok Jyrwa said the government should find out the real cause of the traffic jam in the city. “Taxis are not the only ones as private vehicles too are responsible for the congestion. We would urge the court to ensure there is no bias to the local taxis.”
The East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner has passed the order yesterday after the court on December 16, 2021 directed the state to adopt immediate measures to ease traffic congestion, particularly around the central business district and entry and exit points. In another order dated May 11, 2023 the court said the state should adopt other forms of regulation to ease congestions on the roads.
Unhappy with the move, the East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association (EKHLTWA) and the Synjuk Ki Nongniah Taxi Sor bad Khapsor (SNTSK) met Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah today to show their disapproval to order.
The taxi union said since the DC said it cannot be done because the order was passed following the court orders; they decided to file a petition on the matter.
The order said, from June 5, SPTS buses, SSPTS maxi cabs and black and yellow local taxis coming from Kachari Point towards Khyndailad and Motphran will have to follow an odd-even rule.
Vehicles having licence plates that end in odd digits will only be allowed on this route on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Vehicles with licence plates that end in even digits will be allowed on this route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with no restriction applying on Sundays.
Furthermore, every vehicle should only bear a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) and a copy of the vehicle’s registration certificate should be made available for inspection at any given time, the DC ordered. Anyone found driving with tampered number plates shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with relevant provisions of the law, including revocation of the driver’s licence.
