SHILLONG: The taxi fares in Meghalaya has seen a massive upturn post the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hence cushioning the losses incurred during the lockdown time, the taxi drivers in the Meghalaya have allegedly hiked the fares without seeking any approval from the competent authorities.
It is to be mentioned that a person who travels on Guwahati-Shillong road said the cabbies driving Swift Dzire (sedan) charges Rs 1,000 per head from Shillong to Guwahati and vice versa.
Furthermore, booking a cab from Shillong to Guwahati airport costs around Rs 4000. Meanwhile, Sumos are charging Rs 400-500 per head for the same journey.
Now coming to the Shillong to Jowai route- A commuter who travels Jowai from Shillong and vice versa said that Sumos currently charge Rs 250 per head while cabbies driving sedan charge Rs 300 per head.
For Shillong to Ladrymbai, a Swift Dzire currently charges Rs 500 while Sumos, on the other hand, charge Rs 400.
Many drivers claim that the recent hike in the fare is the result of an increase in petrol prices.
It is to be mentioned that earlier in June 2020, the Meghalaya Cabinet ruled out any hike in taxi and autorickshaw fares but approved an increase in rates for state carriages, minibuses and maxi cabs.
Speaking to media, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the rates for taxis approved in January 2020 are Rs 26 per km and Rs 13 for additional km thereafter while for autorickshaws it is Rs 14 per km and Rs 6 for every additional km thereafter.
The Meghalaya cabinet, however, has approved a proposal put forth by the Transport department for a hike in rates of state carriages, minibuses and 7-12 seater maxi cabs.
Notably, the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has approved a hike of Rs 1.05 per passenger per km to Rs 1.8 per passenger per km.
The minister further added that the approved rate for 7-12 seaters maxi cabs/sumos in the state has been hiked from Rs 1.5 per head per km to Rs 3.6 per head per km in the state with immediate effect.