GUWAHATI: Issuing a new set of guidelines for the urban and semi-urban places in the periphery of 5 KM of municipal areas, the Assam government announced that pillion riding will be prohibited in two-wheelers except with women and children. Moreover, all vehicles (except government vehicles) are allowed following an odd-even formula, from 5 am to 12 pm, which has made commuting very difficult.
"I work at a government organization and rely on Rapido or other bike taxi services to go to work every day. Since the state government has issued the ban on pillion riding for males, it has become all the more difficult to commute in the city," said Chiranjit, a resident of Guwahati.
G Plus spoke with a member of the All Assam Bikes Taxi Owners Association. He said, "Many office goers who take bike taxi daily are facing difficulties in reaching their workplaces, some are even urging riders to take them regardless of the ban. They are even willing to bear the fine."
He also added, "The odd-even rule in the city has resulted in a massive loss for the bike taxi association in a huge margin. The time restrictions are not helping either, many bike (taxi) riders have stopped taking rides entirely and are sitting at home."
However, Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua clarified that the pillion riding ban will not be applicable for women and children in the city. He has further asked the citizens to wear masks, helmets and follow all the COVID-19 protocols while using both private as well public transport.
