Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya is launching a digital taxi booking app to clean up tourist transport. The state Tourism Department hosted a pilot workshop at the State Convention Centre on August 12 to prep drivers and stakeholders. The platform locks in safety via GPS tracking and OTP verifications.
Police and the Transport Department will vet every driver and vehicle before they join the system. This first phase covers 200 Prime Meghalaya beneficiary vehicles alongside other local operators. The app aims to stop fraud and boost transparency. Tourism Commissioner and Secretary RM Kurbah stated, "The platform was not intended to compete with the existing taxi network, but to provide tourists with a more secure way of booking and paying for tourist vehicles."
The app connects travelers directly to verified taxis, hotels, and resorts. Payments move straight from passenger to driver. The state takes no commission during this initial rollout. Registration requires valid permits, insurance, and mandatory clearances. While taxi associations can help with paperwork, the state will judge each operator on an individual basis.
Development began in late 2024. XLayer Technologies demonstrated the booking interface during the workshop, which included administrative tools and driver portals. Future updates may include two-wheeler operators. The department plans to link the service to the Meghalaya Tourism Helpline to handle customer grievances before the platform goes live.
Updated at 13th August 2026 at 6:15pm
The app’s first phase prioritizes long-distance tourist routes. Beyond just taxis, the platform will bridge connections between visitors and local tour operators, hotels, and resorts.
Deputy Director of Tourism Philip F. Tariang confirmed that the project has undergone revisions based on feedback from taxi associations and Prime Vehicle beneficiaries. The state intends to finalize a specific incentive structure and engagement strategy as part of the broader rollout plan. Customer support and grievance handling will be managed through the existing Meghalaya Tourism Helpline in collaboration with the Avenues team.
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