By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 8: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Monday dismissed the demand of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) to adopt the “Sikkim model” of restricting tourist taxis from outside the state, calling the comparison “misleading”.
“Sikkim is an endpoint state, while Meghalaya is a transit state. A large number of vehicles pass through here as part of longer tourist circuits—Kaziranga to Shillong, Sohra and then Silchar. These are travellers in transit,” Lyngdoh said.
He added that it was wrong to claim that taxis from outside are barred in Sikkim, pointing out that many West Bengal-registered vehicles regularly ferry tourists there.
Warning that the AKMTTA’s demand could have wider repercussions, the minister said, “Every action has a reaction and any decision must stand the test of logic and law.”
He urged the association to engage with their counterparts in Assam, noting that many operators already hold national or multi-state permits covering both Assam and Meghalaya.
Lyngdoh also underlined a shortage of vehicles within the state and advised local operators to capitalise on their advantage by partnering with homestays, resorts, and hotels. “Why should the government do this for them when they can build such partnerships themselves?” he asked.
Tourism Commissioner and Secretary Cyril VD Diengdoh said the government is exploring both short- and long-term measures. To ease immediate concerns, he said the Tourism Department has proposed a scheme subsidising high parking fees at Guwahati airport for Meghalaya-registered taxis to allow them to compete with others.
He pointed to the ongoing expansion of Shillong airport, which will allow direct flights from major Indian cities. “This will reduce dependency on Guwahati and bring tourists straight to Meghalaya,” he said.
Diengdoh reminded that the Northeast is marketed as a composite destination, with tourists typically visiting multiple states.
“Meghalaya operators are already taking tourists to Arunachal Pradesh via Guwahati. Only Assam vehicles are not necessarily doing that,” he noted.
He also highlighted government schemes, such as a 50% subsidy on high-end vehicles for local tour operators, while stressing that homestay owners, hoteliers, and village authorities also have a stake in tourism operations.
He cautioned that any knee-jerk policy could hurt Meghalaya’s own people, many of whom rely on Guwahati for medical treatment, education, and connectivity.
“Decisions must remain within the framework of the law. All-India and three-state permits govern inter-state transport, and we cannot act outside these legal provisions,” Diengdoh said.