Guwahati: Many travellers have started exploring alternate routes as the blockade of the Jorabat stretch, a key road link between Assam and Meghalaya, entered its third day on Saturday. However, members of the Assam State Drivers’ Union (ASDU) blocked possible routes used by vehicles travelling from Meghalaya into Assam.The move further disrupted inter-state traffic, leaving passengers and motorists travelling between the two states stranded. The development followed an advisory by the Ri-Bhoi deputy commissioner on alternative routes for commuters.Passengers travelling towards Guwahati can take the Byrnihat–Pillingkata–Killing route or the Nongpoh–Patharkhmah–Rani route. Travellers heading to Shillong from Guwahati airport can take the Basistha–Pillingkata–Killing route or the Rani–Patharkhmah–Mairang route.“Our ASDU members have blocked the entry points for Meghalaya-bound vehicles on the Rani, Boko, Hahim and Lampi routes. We will not allow vehicles from Meghalaya to enter unless a permanent solution is worked out,” ASDU general secretary Abdul Kadir said.He alleged that the current period was the peak season, with passenger movement to Meghalaya increasing steadily. However, the incidents had made travel increasingly difficult, with drivers expressing concern about their safety and alleging that they were not adequately protected.Kadir said drivers, who pay more than Rs 1,700 annually as tourist permit tax — up from Rs 1,400 two years ago — expected Meghalaya govt to ensure their safety while operating in the state.With the major routes blocked, drivers have begun using the road connecting Paikan in Goalpara with Tura. Drivers said vehicular movement along the route had continued peacefully and that it had become the most frequently used alternative since the main routes were blocked.“As far as the situation is concerned, there is some tension among the people, but so far they have not taken to the streets or started any agitation here,” Goalpara taxi driver Utpal Rajbongshi said.The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association has appealed for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing agitation along the Assam–Meghalaya border.
