Assam Transport Department Shuts down "Illegal" Bike-Taxi Services in Guwahati

Guwahati, February 23, 2020:

The Assam Transport department has shut down illegal operations of bike-taxi services in Guwahati. To start with, a team of the department carried out a raid at the office of Rapido in Guwahati’s Jonali area and sealed it for illegally plying in the city.

According to DTO, Kamrup, Bapon Kalita, Rapido has been banned for operating without valid commercial license or permit from the District Transport Office (DTO).

Speaking with Inside Northeast, Kalita said, "Look, no permission has been taken by the Rapido people and they were plying their vehicles without following the legal procedures, which is completely illegal. They should try to legalize their operations...Therefore, we have sealed their office and put a ban on their services.”

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He also informed that all the bike-taxi services in the city will be banned, Ola and Uber included. However, he said, “Door is open to all to come and legalize their operations. Since many people's livelihoods are connected with the bike taxi service business, we appeal the concerned to come forward and discuss with us, talk with us, so that they can legalize their operation at the earliest..."

Upon being informed that Rapido and other bike taxi service providers are still plying their vehicles in the city, Kalita said that they are likely to be punished. "We have several methods to punish the offenders violating the rules. We could even seize their vehicles. Thus, we appeal them to strictly adhere to the laws..."

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The circle officers visited the offices of Ola and Uber as well and informed them about the suspension of bike-taxi operations until they register their vehicles.

It may be mentioned here that in 2019, Rapido was cautioned to halt their services in the city but the services continued until it was sealed on Saturday evening.

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