Скачать или смотреть Tourism Minister rejects call for taxi ban, stresses legal, practical realities

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday rejected the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association’s (AKMTTA) demand to implement a “Sikkim model” restricting tourist taxis from outside the state.

He called the comparison “misleading”, noting that Sikkim is an endpoint, whereas Meghalaya is a transit state for tourists travelling between destinations like Kaziranga, Shillong, Sohra, and Silchar.

Lyngdoh clarified that vehicles from outside are not banned in Sikkim, with many West Bengal taxis operating there. He warned that AKMTTA’s demand could lead to broader repercussions, urging them to engage with Assam counterparts, many of whom already hold valid multi-state permits.

He also cited a shortage of local taxis, encouraging operators to build partnerships with hotels and homestays instead of relying solely on government support.

Tourism Secretary C.V.D. Diengdoh added that the government is exploring solutions, including subsidising airport parking for Meghalaya taxis and supporting operators with 50% subsidies on high-end vehicles. He emphasised that tourism in the Northeast is interlinked and that restrictive policies could harm locals reliant on interstate access for health, education, and travel.


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