SHILLONG |  The Meghalaya government will hold a high-level joint meeting with Assam authorities by September 10 to address concerns raised by tourist taxi operators from Meghalaya over difficulties allegedly faced while operating in Assam, particularly Guwahati.

The decision was taken at a meeting involving senior officials of the Meghalaya Home Department, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts, as well as representatives of various tourist taxi associations.

Taxi operators raised concerns about problems allegedly encountered by Meghalaya-registered tourist vehicles after entering Assam. The state government described the issues as serious and said they would be taken up with the Assam government through an inter-state coordination mechanism.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Transport Commissioners of Meghalaya and Assam will participate in the joint meeting along with representatives of tourist taxi associations from both states. The meeting is expected to focus on resolving the issues faced by tourist vehicle operators and developing a mutually acceptable mechanism to ensure the smooth movement of tourist taxis between Meghalaya and Assam.

The Meghalaya government, however, clarified that tourist vehicle movement between the two states remains normal at present. There are no road blockades or restrictions affecting the movement of tourist taxis, and services between Meghalaya and Assam continue to operate.

Officials said the government was committed to protecting the interests of the tourism sector while addressing the concerns of transport operators through dialogue and coordination with Assam authorities. The proposed meeting is expected to pave the way for a longer-term resolution to the dispute and help ensure uninterrupted movement of tourist vehicles between the two neighbouring states.