Assam taxi strike threatens major disruption to Meghalaya tourism, tourists stranded at Jorabat border

Shillong, Meghalaya — September 18, 2025 Meghalaya’s tourism sector is facing immediate turmoil as taxi operators in Assam enforce a strike that is disrupting travel into Meghalaya. The Motor Parivan Sewakarmi Sanmilita Mancha (MPSSM), Assam’s taxi union, has called for an indefinite ban on their vehicles entering Meghalaya, in protest against perceived unfair treatment by tourist taxi operators in Meghalaya who have allegedly barred out-of-state vehicles. The result: many tourists are currently stranded at border points, most notably at Jorabat and Khanapara. The dispute escalated after the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) reportedly restricted entry of out-of-state tourist vehicles into Meghalaya, citing concerns over regulation, licensing and competition. In retaliation, the Assam taxi union refused to allow Meghalayan tourist vehicles or those from other states into Assam from Meghalaya, severely complicating cross-border tourist traffic. Tourists caught in the crossfire today described hours of wait time with no available transportation. Some who expected to transit through Assam to Shillong were forced to abandon plans or re-route via less direct, more expensive modes of transport. Local hospitality businesses and guides say reservation cancellations are rising, and loss of income is already being felt. The Assam union claims that AKMTTA’s restrictions are arbitrary and that out-of-state taxi services are being unfairly excluded from operating on equal terms. They demand uniform regulation and fairness, and say they have tried to raise concerns with state authorities to no effect. Meanwhile, Meghalaya operators defend their position by saying regulatory and licensing norms must be preserved to prevent unlicensed competition and to protect local livelihoods. State governments of both Assam and Meghalaya are under pressure to intervene. Meghalaya’s Chief Minister’s office has been approached by tourism sector groups demanding a quick resolution so that the high tourist season is not jeopardized. Assam officials have similarly expressed concern that the strike could damage inter-state relations and tarnish the region’s reputation for tourism hospitality. Residents along the border and workers in transport and hospitality sectors are watching nervously. Some are calling for mediation by the governors or the centre. Meanwhile, on the ground, safety and basic amenities for stranded tourists—food, shelter, access to restrooms—are becoming issues, especially at border transit points. Economic estimates suggest that each day of disruption results in loss for taxi operators, guide services, hotels and restaurants across both states. With festivals and seasonal travel looming, the timing could not be worse. The longer the standoff continues, the more damage to goodwill and investor, visitor confidence will accrue. There is also concern that this conflict may spark wider protests or reciprocal restrictions beyond the taxi unions if not resolved swiftly. Both state governments are reported to be exploring emergency talks, possibly under intervention from central government officials, to resolve licensing, fare setting, and jurisdiction issues so that cross-border tourist traffic can resume smoothly. For now, tourists remain in limbo. The tourism sector—one of Meghalaya’s economic pillars—is bracing for the fallout unless an agreement is reached soon.