Shillong, May 26: The East Khasi Hills District Transport Officer (DTO) and Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), R. Hinge, has clarified that app-based transport services such as Rapido cannot legally operate commercial passenger services in Meghalaya without obtaining the necessary authorisation, permits and licences from the government.
Speaking to media persons over concerns that vehicles operating under Rapido were allegedly ferrying commercial passengers in Shillong without official approval, Hinge stated that any company intending to provide public transport services in the state must strictly comply with government rules and regulations.
He said commercial passenger transport services cannot legally function without proper documentation and approval from the competent authority. According to the DTO, vehicles being used for commercial passenger operations without valid permits or licences would be considered illegal.
The clarification came after a group of Rapido drivers visited the DTO office at Lower Lachumiere seeking clarity on the legal process and operational requirements for app-based transport services.
Hinge further stated that the department has not recognised any two-wheeler or bike taxi passenger services operating without valid documents. He explained that commercial transport operations cannot be carried out without legal compliance and that operators must fulfil requirements relating to permits, designated commercial number plates and other transport department regulations.
He also informed that applicants seeking an Aggregator Licence are required to submit Form II under the Meghalaya Taxi Aggregator Operational Rules, 2019.
According to the DTO, the department has already provided opportunities for youths interested in joining such services legally by allowing them to apply under the prescribed provisions of the Meghalaya Taxi Aggregator Operational Rules, 2019.
Hinge said one such licence issued by the department became effective from November 30, 2025 and will remain valid till November 29, 2028. He informed that Laiwani Aggregator of Laitumkhrah had completed the required application process and obtained the necessary permit.
He added that transport services operating legally under departmental guidelines in Shillong include North East Ride, while many Khasi youths have yet to take advantage of the opportunity to apply through proper legal channels.
It was also informed that JETS 24×7 had cancelled its earlier licence and permit and has reapplied before the Transport Department.
