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Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 5 (EMN): With the imposition of third phase of lockdown, which has been extended till May 17, the deputy commissioner of Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, has issued guidelines for local taxi plying in Kohima.
In a guideline issued on May 5, the deputy commissioner stated that taxis would be colour-coded and should ply only on the coded days such as ‘Monday- pink,’ ‘Wednesday-Blue,’ ‘Friday-Green,’ and ‘Saturday- Yellow.’
He also stated that taxi fares would continue as per the existing prescribed rate, which is INR 30 per passenger from point to point and INR 100 for hire from point to point. It order also stated that taxis would be allowed to ply only in the Kohima municipal areas which included, North- IG Stadium, East- BSF Camp, West-Kohima By Pass, South- Phesama Gate, and the New Secretariat area.
As per the guidelines, the taxis are permitted to carry not more than two passengers at once and also both the drivers and passengers should wear mask and use sanitisers all the time. The taxis are to be properly sanitised and disinfected.
The DC also warned that any taxi plying on non-coded days and not abiding by the guidelines would be penalised as per the provisions of the law and their permits be cancelled.
Earlier in a press conference, the chief secretary, Temjen Toy, assured that the unions and associations (of taxis and auto-rickshaws) have agreed with the deputy commissioner of respective districts that limiting the number of passengers should not lead to increase in fare. He added that movement of passenger buses such as city buses would continue to be prohibited.
Meanwhile, office of the superintendent of police, Kohima, informed the citizens of Kohima that no vehicle including two wheelers without the requisite movement permit issued by the office of the deputy commissioner would be allowed to ply till May 17 and warned that defaulting vehicles would be seized and booked as per relevant sections of law.
A press release issued by PRO of Kohima police also informed that loading/ unloading of essential commodities, construction material or any goods within the municipal area of Kohima town would not be permitted from 7 am to 2 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the lockdown period.
It added that local taxi with permit from DC office would be allowed to ply with only two passengers. In this regard, Kohima police has requested the citizens to cooperate with police on duty and comply with the restriction order in the interest of public health and safety.