Darjeeling: Tourists have started flocking Tiger Hill sunrise point again after the United Forum of Drivers — an umbrella body representing hill-based taxi operators — lifted its ‘indefinite ban' on sunrise trips that came into effect from Dec 19. The stand-off was resolved following a meeting convened by GTA on Wednesday.
The meeting was held amid ongoing tensions over the movement of tourist vehicles in the hills. Drivers from the plains alleged that despite possessing valid permits, they were being restricted from conducting tours in the hills. On the other hand, hill-based drivers argued that allowing taxis from the plains would adversely impact their livelihood.
In protest against what they described as long-standing traffic mismanagement and declining work opportunities, hill-based drivers also refused to pay GTA's entry fee of Rs 20 at Tiger Hill.
Rajesh Chauhan, deputy chairman of GTA, said, "The drivers shared their challenges. The main agenda was Tiger Hill and the coupon system, and we have decided to continue with the old system."
Chauhan said another meeting has been scheduled for Jan 16 to discuss more concerns.