Assam transport minister says taxi service row with Meghalaya resolved

Assam Transport Minister Yogen Mohan on Thursday assured that the recent standoff between tourist taxi drivers of Meghalaya and Assam has been amicably resolved after discussions with the Meghalaya government.

Speaking on the issue, Mohan said, “We have discussed the matter with the concerned department of the Meghalaya government. As before, tourist taxi drivers from both states will be able to operate in each other’s territories. Both Assam and Meghalaya must move forward in harmony.” He added that the Meghalaya government has also shown interest in settling the matter peacefully.

The assurance came against the backdrop of a tense week-long confrontation between the two states’ transport unions. 

The standoff escalated earlier this week when the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) blocked Assam-registered taxis from entering Shillong and beyond, citing threats to the livelihoods of local drivers. In retaliation, transport unions in Assam restricted Meghalaya-registered cabs at major transit points, including Guwahati Railway Station, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and the Jorabat border, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.

The situation peaked on Thursday when former Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma’s vehicle was stopped by protestors before being cleared by Assam Police. Former Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has since urged both sides to open direct talks, cautioning that prolonged blockades could severely damage the tourism industry.

Despite the flare-up, Mohan’s statement suggests that both state governments are now working together to ensure normal operations and avoid future disruptions.