SIKKIM: Unavailability of local cabs poses a problem

Gangtok: Daily commuters in the capital are facing severe problems due to unavailability of local taxies. Passengers are seen right from Ranipool to the heart of the capital standing and waiting long for taxies to reach their destinations. Passengers of 6th Mile, 5th Mile, Metro, Tadong, Gairi Gaon, Dara Gaon, Convoy Ground, Deorali and Pani House have to suffer much for shortage of taxi.

Tourist season is now at its peak in the state. As the number of tourists, both domestic and from abroad, is increasing day by day and tour operators, travel agents and taxi owners are making good money. Tourists pay good amount to the taxies for sight seeing. Some taxies do not bother about the local passengers, complain locals. “It is true that some greedy drivers prefer to ply their cabs empty rather than pick up locals”, they say. “Every year we face similar problems during this season and instead of any solution the problem is compounding year after year”.

Too tackle the increasing demands of vehicles, tour operators are hiring cabs of other places too. Passengers, who have to travel everyday to the capital from places like Ranipool, Pakyong, Singtam complain that they do not get vehicles in time. It is said that in tourist season taxi owners prefer to give their vehicles on hire to travel agencies who offer handsome tour packages.

It is good that tourism industry in the state is thriving and benefiting many, but it must not to our woes, say local passengers including students and office goers.

[FROM SIKKIM REPORTER / EDITED BY ASHOK CHATTERJEE]