A delegation from the Railway Taxi Association today called on Minister for FCS&CA and Transport, Satish Sharma, to discuss key concerns affecting the taxi service providers operating from railway station to various parts of the valley.
The association presented several issues being faced by the drivers and operators, while strongly advocating for their inclusion in future transport development projects.
During the meeting, the delegation emphasized the crucial role that railway taxi services play in providing reliable last-mile connectivity to the passengers arriving at the station. They noted that despite their contribution to the public transport ecosystem, their concerns have often gone unheard in previous planning processes.
Among the major issues raised were lack of proper infrastructure and designated parking facilities at railway stations, absence of a structured system to regulate and support taxi services, integration of taxi operators into future smart transport plans and digital platforms besides welfare and social security measures for the drivers.
The association urged the government to ensure their representation in consultations for upcoming initiatives aimed at upgrading the transport services. They called for a collaborative approach in implementation of transport projects to ensure that traditional taxi operators are not sidelined but instead empowered to contribute to an efficient and modern public transport network.
Satish Sharma acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the delegation that their voices would be taken into consideration. He welcomed their suggestions and expressed a commitment towards exploring inclusive and sustainable solutions to strengthen the connectivity across the valley.
The Railway Taxi Association expressed optimism following the meeting and reiterated their willingness to work with the government to further improve the passenger services while safeguarding the livelihood of taxi operators.