Shillong: Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister, Bah Paul Lyngdoh, has urged all tourist taxi associations to come together and speak with one voice when engaging with the government. He noted the difficulty of organizing talks due to the large number of separate associations, which complicates discussions.
Addressing the recent black flag protest by the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), Bah Paul pointed out that approximately 60 percent of drivers are unaffiliated with any association, while the remaining 40 percent are scattered across various groups, making unified discussions with the government challenging.
Bah Paul emphasized the need for balanced discussions regarding demands and economic feasibility. He also highlighted the shortage of around 3,000 tourist taxis in Meghalaya, which impacts the ability to serve tourists.
Additionally, he encouraged local taxi drivers to engage with their counterparts from Assam, noting that most tourists entering Meghalaya pass through Assam, given that the region’s airport, railway stations, and major hospitals are based in Guwahati.
Bah Paul stressed the importance of addressing this matter seriously, particularly as key infrastructure is located outside the state.
