Nagaland: Ahead of launch, 2-wheeler cabbies show humane side

Kohima: Ahead of the official launch of two-wheeler taxi services in the state on Independence Day, bikers offered free rides to aspirants appearing in the Lower Division Assistant (LDA) examinations held under the department of school education in Kohima on Saturday.

The candidates were able to board the free taxis at three stands — PR, Razhü Point and High School Junction in the capital of Nagaland.

The decision to provide free rides by the members of the Nagaland Two-Wheeler Taxi Association (NTWTA) came a few days before state minister of transport and civil aviation, railways and land resources P Paiwang Konyak is slated to officially launch the service in the state on August 15.

The cabinet had given its approval to two-wheeler taxi services in Nagaland on July 28.

Speaking with EastMojo, NTWTA president Chumben Yanthan said that the idea to provide free taxi services to the natives in times of need was always there with the organisation.

Thanking the local residents for coming out in favour of the “legalisation” of the two-wheeler services in state, Yanthan said that various sections of society had supported the riders, while many of them also took to social media platforms to voice their opinion.

Also Read: Naga cricketer Jonathan Rongsen to lead Bengaluru Blasters at KPL

“We want to show our gratitude to the youths and aspirants and say that we are thankful for their support during the entire process,” Yanthan expressed.

Recalling how the association, which was started in December last year, was denied permission to function as a taxi service, Yanthan informed that the state cabinet had approved their proposal after more than a year.

“Although, we don’t have any written documentation of the approval nor the RTA (Regional Transport Authority) has issued permits, we are positive that they will be granted very soon,” Yanthan said.

While 49 riders are registered in Kohima, riders from Dimapur have also expressed similar interest for the service. The association is now framing modalities for a uniform constitution. Yanthan added that the association shall be open to register riders from all districts across the state to expand the services.

Talking about safety issues, Yanthan said that once the RTO issues permits, the association will come out with some rules and regulations which every member will have to abide.