In line with the progressive unlock announced by the government, Ukhrul district has finally decided to re-open all passenger services including inter-district, inter-village and town taxi operations with strict adherence to safety norms from October 16.
A source from Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) Thursday said that a decision has been taken to relax the existing restrictions on passenger services. “Accordingly, bus and Winger taxi services are now allowed to resume regular operation along Ukhrul-lmphal route from 16 October, with strict instructions to all concerned to follow the SOP given by the government,” it said.
The source continued that rapid antigen test would remain mandatory for all incoming passengers from outside the district, while urging the public to follow the safety rules of wearing mask, hand sanitising and maintaining social distance throughout the travel.
“Every returnee is advised to go through RAT at the district’s testing centre at Bakshi Ground and to voluntarily undergo home quarantine for a period of at least seven days,” it informed.
Meanwhile, a TCFC (Tangkhul Coordination Forum on Covid-19) source disclosed that all volunteers deployed by the forum at different points, especially along inter-district and inter-village routes have been withdrawn to pave the way for resumption of normal passenger services.
It further informed that all passenger vehicles would be allowed to ferry a maximum of 50 per cent passengers to ensure social distance and thus, the fare has been temporarily hiked.
“As a temporary measure, the price of bus ticket has been raised to Rs. 260 from normal rate of Rs. 150, while that of Winger service to Rs. 330 from Rs. 180 for Ukhrul-Imphal route,” it added.
Meanwhile, in a similar development, Ukhrul District Passenger Service Association (UDPASA) announced resumption of its daily taxi service from 6 am to 6 pm in the district headquarters with effect from 16 October.
It may be recalled that all regular passenger services in the district had remained suspended for over six months after announcement of nationwide lockdown over Covid-19 pandemic in March this year.