NONGPOH: Travel between Assam and Meghalaya has been significantly disrupted after the vital Byrnihat-Jorabat road was blocked on both sides, attributed to an escalating dispute involving taxi services operating across the state borders. The Ri Bhoi district administration in Meghalaya has issued a public advisory, urging all commuters and travellers to steer clear of the route until further notice, effective Friday, August 21.
District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi, Dr. Abhishek Saini, specifically highlighted the urgency for those undertaking essential journeys, including medical emergencies, airport transfers, railway travel, and other critical appointments, to seek alternative paths. The blockage stems from a protracted standoff between taxi unions from both states, which has intermittently affected cross-border transportation and caused inconvenience to thousands of daily commuters.
The current situation poses a considerable challenge for regional connectivity, particularly impacting residents and businesses reliant on this major arterial route. While details regarding the specific demands or triggers of the latest escalation in the taxi dispute remain fluid, the immediate consequence is a severe impediment to traffic flow between Guwahati and various parts of Meghalaya.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and travellers are advised to check local news and official announcements for updates before planning their journeys. The advisory underscores the need for caution and adherence to alternative routes to avoid congestion and ensure safe passage, as efforts continue to resolve the underlying issues causing the inter-state transport impasse.