Assam Meghalaya tourist vehicles will move normally between the two states until September 10 after Meghalaya authorities reached an understanding with tourist taxi associations on Sunday. The temporary arrangement is aimed at restoring uninterrupted interstate travel after several days of disruption linked to tensions and protests.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said vehicles from both states would be allowed to operate as before. He also said another round of talks would be held around September 10 to seek a longer-term solution to concerns raised by transport operators.
Assam Meghalaya tourist vehicles resume normal movement
The decision followed a meeting Dhar held with representatives of tourist taxi associations in Meghalaya. The associations had earlier opposed the entry of Assam-registered tourist vehicles into the state and had also indicated that their own vehicles would not travel to Assam.
The dispute followed incidents of violence in Shillong on August 19, during which vehicles, including those registered in Assam, were reportedly targeted. The developments later affected movement along the Guwahati-Shillong route and created difficulties for tourists, passengers and commercial operators.
After the meeting, Dhar said the immediate agreement was to allow vehicles to move freely until September 10. The arrangement covers tourist and commercial vehicles travelling between Assam and Meghalaya.
Drivers raise long-standing concerns
The Meghalaya taxi associations raised several concerns about the treatment of drivers travelling into Assam. These include parking-related difficulties for Meghalaya-registered tourist vehicles at Guwahati airport and complaints about fines and other problems faced during trips.
The associations have also alleged harassment of drivers in Assam. These claims are part of the issues being taken up through discussions between the two state governments and should not be treated as established findings.
Dhar described the concerns raised by the operators as genuine. He said he would take up the matters with Assam authorities and work towards resolving them through a joint process.
Assam Meghalaya tourist vehicles face safety concerns
The latest agreement comes after transport disruptions on both sides of the inter-state route. At different points, operators had restricted vehicle movement, while some Meghalaya drivers reportedly dropped passengers at Jorabat instead of continuing into Assam.
The disruption also raised concerns about the safety of drivers and passengers. Officials and transport bodies have therefore focused on preventing fresh confrontations and restoring normal traffic between the neighbouring states.
Meanwhile, reports said some Assam-registered vehicles continued to face difficulties even after the agreement was announced. Such developments underline the need for the temporary arrangement to be implemented consistently on the ground.
Joint meeting planned for September 10
Dhar said a meeting involving the transport commissioners of Assam and Meghalaya, along with representatives of tourist taxi associations from both states, would be convened. The discussions are expected to focus on the difficulties faced by drivers and on measures to ensure uninterrupted movement.
The exact venue and other details of the proposed meeting were yet to be finalised. However, the September 10 deadline provides both sides with time to address the immediate concerns and work towards a more durable arrangement.
The Meghalaya government has also indicated that it is assessing damage to vehicles reported during the recent unrest. Dhar said details of affected vehicles had been sought and that any action on compensation would be taken according to law.
Assam Meghalaya tourist vehicles get temporary relief
For tourists, the temporary restoration of movement is expected to ease travel between Guwahati, Shillong and other destinations in the two states. It also offers some relief to taxi operators and other commercial transport providers whose services were disrupted.
However, the arrangement is not a final settlement. The issues raised by transport associations still require discussion between Assam and Meghalaya authorities.
Therefore, September 10 will be an important point for reviewing the situation and deciding the next steps. Until then, both governments and transport bodies have agreed to support normal movement and avoid further disruption. The focus now remains on maintaining peace, protecting passengers and drivers, and finding a practical long-term solution for interstate travel.