Transport operators in Assam under the banner of Motor Parivan Sewakarmi Sanmilita Manch have stated that if Meghalaya’s taxi associations do not allow them to access popular tourist spots, they would halt or restrict all tourist operations to Meghalaya.
The reaction by the Manch followed the demand by All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) to the State government to restrict the movement of Assam tourist taxis to tourist spots in the State.
“We, as joint Manch decided and as an action would follow non-cooperation from all the associations of tourist cab operators, trucks, buses, petroleum tankers if anything illegal or unethical activities happen like halting/stopping, damaging or disturbing free movement of tourist vehicles on all the sightseeing of Meghalaya. And that would disrupt the tourism sector badly for a very long period of time,” the Manch said.
“This could have a ripple effect, as Meghalaya-based taxi operators may also face difficulties picking up tourists from Guwahati airport or railway station. Such disruptions could lead to a sharp decline in tourist numbers, which would severely impact the livelihood of local businesses, including street vendors, hotels, restaurants, the automobile industry, petrol pumps, toll gates, sightseeing points and parking leaseholders as the news could spread through social media across India and to the rest of the world,” it added.
The Manch also expressed concern that using separate vehicles for each state would significantly increase tour costs, which could negatively impact tourism in the region. It also said that Assam-based operators have been instrumental in promoting tourism across major cities in India in various road shows, tourism conclaves, travel and tourism fairs, resulting in a noticeable increase in footfall in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.
“However, concerns are now being raised by All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), which is calling for a ban on tourist cabs registered outside of Meghalaya, particularly those from Assam. This demand has sparked debate as these Assam-registered tourist vehicles hold valid permits, including three-state tourist permits for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, and some even possess all-India tourist permits and contribute huge revenue to Meghalaya. Legally, these cabs are authorised to ferry tourists to various destinations in Meghalaya, and no entity can restrict their movement within the State,” it said.
The Manch also urged the Meghalaya government to avoid making any unilateral decisions that could jeopardise the region’s burgeoning tourism sector.
“Tourism is a delicate industry, and any disruptions can have long-lasting consequences. As stakeholders in the North East tourism ecosystem, it is vital that all parties work together to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the industry. Already, many bookings have been cancelled due to the present situation. Many of our associate B2B travel agents have changed their itineraries to focus on Arunachal Pradesh instead of Meghalaya. If this trend continues, Meghalaya tourism and its stakeholders may face a crisis similar to the Covid period. Tourism is a symbiotic business, and only through collaboration can we ensure that the growth trend remains positive,” it said.
