In a significant display of solidarity, Meghalaya tourist taxis suspended operations to Guwahati today, aligning with the nationwide Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions. The Meghalaya tourist taxi strike 2025 has affected thousands of daily commuters and tourists, straining travel and commerce between the two northeastern hubs.
Transporters cited rising fuel prices, lack of driver welfare, and a broken regulatory framework as key reasons for backing the strike. Meanwhile, business owners and passengers expressed concerns about the broader economic impact.
Why Meghalaya Tourist Taxis Are Striking Today
The call for a 24-hour Bharat Bandh came from a coalition of central trade unions protesting labor law amendments, price hikes, and privatization of public sector units. In response, the Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (MTTA) decided to halt all operations toward Guwahati and the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
“We are standing with workers across India. Our demands mirror theirs—fair treatment, government support, and protection against exploitation,” said MTTA General Secretary Pynskhembha Kharsyntiew.
Taxi drivers often face high fuel prices, inconsistent fares, and lack of healthcare benefits. The MTTA emphasized that this strike isn’t just political—it’s a call for justice.
How the Taxi Strike Impacts Travel Between Meghalaya and Assam
The Shillong–Guwahati route, one of the busiest in Northeast India, typically sees hundreds of tourist and shared taxis daily. However, today, major taxi stands in Shillong, including Police Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, and Laitumkhrah, remained eerily quiet.
Commuters had to either cancel their travel plans or rely on limited government-run buses and private vehicles. As a result, ticket prices for alternate transport modes skyrocketed by up to 40%.
“I missed my flight from Guwahati because no taxis were available,” said Ritika Das, a stranded passenger at Shillong’s Malki Point.
Meanwhile, tourist hotspots like Umiam Lake, Cherrapunji, and Mawlynnong saw a noticeable drop in footfall, affecting local vendors and homestay owners.
Business Owners and Drivers React to the Disruption
While tourists and daily commuters faced inconvenience, many local business owners supported the bandh. According to a recent report by The Shillong Times, several shopkeepers in Police Bazaar closed early today in a show of support.
Still, not everyone agreed with the strike tactics.
“Why hurt daily wage earners and travelers? Protests should happen, but without disrupting common people’s lives,” said Sandeep Roy, who runs a bakery near Laitumkhrah.
On the other hand, taxi drivers argue they had no choice. They insist the protest is a way to amplify their long-ignored issues, especially regarding fare regulation and insurance subsidies.
What’s Next After the Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Strike 2025?
The MTTA has warned that future strikes are likely if the government fails to address their grievances. They have submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya’s Transport Minister and plan to hold discussions with the All Assam Cab Operators Union for coordinated actions.
The Meghalaya government, meanwhile, has urged all stakeholders to return to dialogue and avoid prolonged disruptions, especially during the tourism season.
For live updates, visit Meghalaya Government Transport Portal.
Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Strike 2025 Sends a Strong Message
The Meghalaya tourist taxi strike 2025 is more than just a transportation disruption—it reflects deeper frustrations with economic inequality, worker rights, and lack of infrastructure. While the Bharat Bandh caused temporary inconvenience, it also pushed essential conversations about labor justice to the national stage.
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