{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Assam Agrees to Reserve Parking for Meghalaya Tourist Taxis at Guwahati Airport and Railway Stations",
  "summary": "Assam authorities have agreed to allocate designated parking spots for Meghalaya tourist taxis at Guwahati airport and railway stations, while promising strict action against unauthorized touts within 15 days.",
  "content": "In a crucial joint meeting aimed at resolving long-standing inter-state transport disputes, Assam authorities have assured tourist taxi operators from Meghalaya that designated parking spaces will be established for them at key transit hubs in Guwahati. The arrangements will cover both the Guwahati airport and the Kamakhya railway station, enabling operators to pick up arriving passengers without facing operational blockages. The high-level discussions included officials from the transport departments of both states, leaders of the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA), and representatives from Assam's local taxi unions.\n\nFifteen-Day Deadline Against Touts and Dedicated Helpline\nA primary point of contention raised during the meeting was the systematic harassment faced by Meghalaya drivers at Kamakhya railway station and Guwahati airport, where unauthorized middlemen and touts frequently demand exorbitant commissions. Assam administration officials requested a period of 15 days to crack down on these illicit operators. Once enforcement actions take effect, Meghalaya drivers are expected to interact directly with passengers without third-party interference. Additionally, to ensure safety and quick grievance redressal, Assam will provide a dedicated helpline for Meghalaya drivers to report any harassment or logistical difficulties while operating in Guwahati.\n\nImplementation of the Reciprocal Transport Agreement\nThe bilateral conference also addressed the execution of the Reciprocal Transport Agreement (RTA), with both state governments reiterating their commitment to moving forward with the framework. Official representatives from Assam detailed the structural provisions of the agreement during the session. To ensure proper regulation of overall vehicular traffic, including heavy commercial trucks and passenger buses, the AKMTTA suggested reviving the Joint Action Committee (JAC). The association plans to draft a formal proposal to determine fair daily vehicle quotas running between Assam and Meghalaya.\n\nUnresolved Dispute Over Tourist Spot Access\nDespite progress on parking facilities in Guwahati, the critical dispute regarding outside vehicles entering Meghalaya's inner tourist circuits remains unresolved. The AKMTTA has consistently demanded restrictions on non-Meghalaya commercial vehicles accessing popular scenic spots to protect the economic interests of local drivers. Association spokesperson Balajied Jyrwa expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of a firm commitment on this issue, emphasizing that local livelihoods require complete protection. Meanwhile, Assam authorities asked Meghalaya stakeholders to assist in identifying specific drop-off and halting stations outside sensitive tourist areas, such as Sohra, Jaintia Hills, and the ISBT.\n\nFollow-Up Stakeholder Summit Set for September 28\nTo address remaining operational bottlenecks and evaluate tourist preferences, a multi-stakeholder follow-up meeting has been scheduled for September 28. The upcoming session will bring together officials from the transport and tourism departments along with representatives from hotel associations, tour guides, homestay owners, and travel agencies. The participants will analyze why visiting tourists often bypass local commercial taxis and discuss practical measures to elevate local transport services while maintaining smooth regional connectivity.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis administrative resolution directly improves safety, convenience, and fair pricing for travelers and commercial drivers moving between Assam and Meghalaya.\n\n• Across Northeast: Passengers arriving in Guwahati will experience seamless pickups without harassment or extortionate commission demands from illegal touts.\n• In Assam and Meghalaya: Local taxi drivers gain dedicated space and regulatory clarity, fostering smoother inter-state transport operations and protecting commercial livelihoods.\n\nWhy this happened\nInter-state transport tensions escalated due to unfair blockages, extortion by touts in Guwahati, and competing commercial interests over tourist routes.\n\n• Primary Cause: Middlemen at Guwahati transit hubs were hindering Meghalaya drivers and demanding unlawful commissions for passenger access.\n• Disputed Points: Meghalaya taxi unions sought restrictions on outside tourist vehicles inside their state to safeguard regional livelihoods.\n• Administrative Action: Transport authorities intervened to establish designated zones and enforce Reciprocal Transport Agreement guidelines.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What assurances did Assam give to Meghalaya taxi operators?\nAssam authorities assured designated parking spaces and hassle-free passenger pickup access at Guwahati airport and Kamakhya railway station.\n\n2. How long will it take for authorities to act against middlemen?\nAssam officials requested a 15-day period to strictly eliminate illegal touts and commission agent networks.\n\n3. Has a ban been placed on outside vehicles at Meghalaya tourist spots?\nNo, the demand to completely restrict non-local vehicles from entering Meghalaya tourist locations remains unresolved.\n\n4. When is the next follow-up meeting scheduled?\nThe next stakeholder meeting involving tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors is scheduled for September 28.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/assam/guwahati-airport-aur-railway-station-par-meghalaya-ki-taxi-chalako-ke-liye-banegi-alag-parking-assam-prashasan-ka-aashwasan-30256",
  "category": "Assam",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-09",
  "tags": [
    "Assam",
    "Meghalaya",
    "Guwahati",
    "Tourist Taxi",
    "Kamakhya Station",
    "Transport Department",
    "Tourism"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}