Open Letter to President ANTA HQ Kohima

Dear President,

As a concerned public and traveller, I would like to bring to your kind attention regarding Sumo passenger taxis plying from Dimapur to other districts via Kohima Town. The usual departure time from Dimapur counter is 6 in the morning but some Sumo drivers depart at odd hours like 3 or 4 in the morning. Their excuse is to avoid traffic congestion in Kohima Town or some drivers say it’s to reach early as the destination is long. Interestingly, the departure time from their parent districts/town is usually 6 am or most of the time unpunctual. However, the hidden reason for the odd hour departure from Dimapur seems to be the lack of proper vehicle documents and to avoid paying penalties along the highways stretching to Kohima. Moving out early gives them the advantage to cross the checking points before traffic personnel or police mobile squads activate. This is causing unnecessary problems to the passengers who have to either walk or arrange an auto in advance to reach the counters or picking points. To travel at 3 or 4 in the morning, we have to wake up at least an hour ahead, thereby reducing our sleep time which further causes health inconvenience along the journey.

The other concern is the condition of the vehicles. Despite plying the longest routes in the State, the condition of maximum Sumo taxis of the far-flung destinations are worn-out. Passengers travel at the mercy of fate and luck. Therefore, I sincerely appeal to the good office of the All Nagaland Taxi Association to regularly check the condition of the vehicle like engine, seats, tyres, body, cleanliness and also the departure timings for the welfare and safety of the passengers at large. Take stringent measures like suspension of permit till all documents are updated and till the vehicle is fit for long distance passenger service.

Your concerned passenger