The Transport department of the Tripura government has strongly condemned the alleged harassment of air passengers and obstruction of an app-based Uber auto-rickshaw at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport here on the night of September 30.
According to the department, passengers were allegedly prevented from using an authorised app-based transport service, despite the government’s decision to promote safe, convenient and transparent passenger transport services.
The Uber auto service was formally inaugurated at MBB Airport on September 3 in the presence of Transport Minister Ratan Lal Nath, with instructions that no individual, group or transport operator should obstruct its lawful operation or harass passengers.
The department said no syndicate, association, group or individual has the right to take the law into their own hands or prevent passengers from choosing a lawful mode of transportation.
It warned that intimidating drivers, obstructing vehicles, preventing passengers from boarding or disrupting lawful transport services would invite strict action in accordance with law.
Following the incident, two persons were arrested by the Airport Police Station, and their interrogation is underway, the department said.
A senior-level joint team of the Transport and Police Departments visited MBB Airport, the alleged incident site and the Airport Police Station to ascertain the facts and review the action taken. Police authorities have stated that further legal action will follow.
The Transport Department has also directed that the driving licence and registration of the auto driver/owner allegedly involved in the incident be suspended, subject to due process of law.
The department reiterated that the government would not tolerate any unauthorised monopoly over airport passenger transport and said passengers must be free to choose lawful transportation without fear, intimidation or interference.
It appealed to transport operators and driver associations to maintain discipline, cooperate with the authorities and safeguard Tripura’s image as a safe, hospitable and passenger-friendly state.
Concerned officials have been directed to closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prevent any recurrence, the statement said.
The government also reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of passengers and ensuring that all lawful transport services operate freely and without intimidation.