Tura, July 9: Despite vehicles from Assam operating with valid inter-state permits, tensions in the Garo Hills’ transport sector continue to rise, leading to commuter inconvenience.
An inspection by the District Transport Office (DTO), West Garo Hills, at Chasingre locality found that Assam-registered commercial vehicles were fully compliant with legal norms.
According to DTO S.D. Shira, the vehicles held valid documents under an interstate agreement permitting movement between Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
“No one has the authority to stop a vehicle with proper documents,” Shira said, adding that legal action can be taken against individuals or groups who obstruct such services.
He clarified that action would be taken if any vehicle is found without documentation or in violation of transport rules.
A video showing one such vehicle being stopped near Tura went viral yesterday, sparking outrage.
Yesterday’s incident highlighted the ongoing strain between local transport associations and operators from outside the state, including inter-district and those from outside the Tura zone.
The Garo Hills Sumo, Winger & Cab Association had recently filed a complaint alleging that outside vehicles were bypassing local protocols and affecting livelihoods.
The association raised issues, saying vehicles avoided official ticket counters, parking at random locations, and clashed with local schedules. Mahindra pick-ups were reportedly ferrying passengers without paying the Meghalaya Passenger Goods Tax, while auto-rickshaws from plain belt areas were said to be operating inter-district routes without permits.
The association also claimed that Meghalaya Rural Transport Service (MRPTS) vehicles, meant for underserved rural areas, were running on commercial routes served by private operators.
To address these problems, the association demanded that all inter-district vehicles be stationed at Chandmary to reduce congestion in Tura. They also pointed to a general meeting held in December 2024, where eight resolutions were passed to safeguard local interests and maintain traffic discipline.
They alleged that outside operators had engaged NGOs and local miscreants to intimidate local drivers and take control of certain routes illegally.
While no violations were found during inspections, the complaint sheds light on growing dissatisfaction among local operators who feel their routes and earnings are being encroached upon.
Authorities have urged all transport stakeholders to channel concerns through official forums instead of resorting to unilateral actions.
“Transport rules exist to ensure fairness and public safety,” an official said, emphasising the need for cooperation.
Officials say they will continue to monitor operations and ensure that public transport remains safe, legal, and disruption-free.
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