Driver shortage hinders daily passenger services in Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, June 26 2023:
The aftermath of the violence which erupted on May 3 has led to immense hardships and inconveniences in transportation in Ukhrul district due to shortage of drivers.
Some commuters of Ukhrul town have conveyed availability of only limited number of vehicles in the town which has created public inconveniences at large.
Inadequate daily passenger services taxi since May 3 has led to incurring additional travelling cost to all commuters.
According to them, hiring a taxi costs more than Rs 5000 while Tata Winger fare has been hiked to Rs 300 from normal rate of Rs 250 .
Drivers plying on Imphal-Ukhrul highway have also expressed that most drivers belong to the valley community, particularly Meitei.
They have stopped passenger services since May 4, fearing driving on Imphal-Ukhrul Road presumably due to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
According to them, normally at least 12 buses and 30 Wingers ferried passengers on a daily basis.
However, no Meitei drivers so far are willing to drive along the Imphal-Ukhrul Road after the series of violent incidents.
Aside from inconveniences in transportation, shortage of drivers has added to the woes of the public as daily essential commodities transported from Imphal are no longer available adequately in the market.
The prices of most goods have also inflated causing immense economic hardship to the daily wage earning families.
Meanwhile, the town folks have urged the State Government to bring about an amicable solution and to work towards the restoration of peace and normalcy in Manipur at the earliest.