Gangtok: The Union Tourism Ministry has expressed concern over “exploitative” cab and permit rates in Sikkim. This follows numerous grievances lodged by tourists, highlighted in a letter from the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) on May 13.
One tourist, K.P. Wasnik, a former additional commissioner of the Union Ministry of Agriculture, recounted his experience of exorbitant travel costs during his visit from April 27 to May 5. Wasnik reported being charged Rs 4,000 for trips to Zero Point and Yumthang Valley, and another Rs 4,000 for permits to visit Nathu-la Pass and the lake. “This is sheer exploitation of the visitors. I suggest that the government department should issue the pass online by accepting the fee, if any, through online mode,” the former official said in his letter.
The Tourism Ministry’s letter urged the Sikkim Tourism Department to address these issues, which include safety concerns at Nathu-la Point, inadequate infrastructure, lack of amenities, and high car rental charges. The ministry recommended that the state examine and take appropriate action.
In response, Sikkim Tourism Department Secretary Prakash Chettri acknowledged the ongoing issue of high taxi fares, which has been a recurring problem each tourist season. Chettri clarified that controlling taxi fares falls under the purview of the State Transport Department. He noted that despite several meetings with the Transport Department, the issue remains unresolved.
Transport Secretary Raj Yadav revealed plans to address the problem through the launch of the Sikkim Cab App, set to function from June 1. The app, currently in its trial phase, will allow tourists to book taxis with transparent pricing and payment options. Yadav highlighted that the app aims to retain revenue within the local economy by facilitating direct bookings with Sikkim taxi operators.
Despite these efforts, some stakeholders remain skeptical. They argue that merely introducing an app will not resolve the issue unless it is widely adopted and enforced. Suggestions include implementing dynamic or fixed taxi rates and empowering police to monitor compliance.
Hotelier Naresh Shrestha proposed that the transport department should consider dynamic pricing models and start shuttle services with AC buses between key locations to benefit both tourists and locals.
The persistent issue of unregulated taxi fares and poor road conditions continues to impact Sikkim’s tourism negatively. Stakeholders hope that new policies and better enforcement will restore confidence and improve the visitor experience.
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