Uttarakhand Police Crack Down on Tourist Taxis Amid Congestion

Authorities in Uttarakhand's Nainital district have intensified action against unlicensed and illegally operated taxi bikes that have been contributing to severe congestion at Kainchi Dham and surrounding tourist areas. The operation was carried out on the directives of the Superintendent of Police, Nainital.

During the enforcement drive, police issued challans against 258 two-wheeler vehicles operating as commercial taxis and impounded 73 vehicles that were found to be in violation of traffic and transportation regulations. The seized motorcycles and scooters, identifiable by their yellow registration plates, were being used to ferry tourists without proper commercial vehicle licenses.

The district administration has also tightened restrictions on tourist-operated yellow-plated taxis, implementing strict regulatory measures to prevent visitors from riding or operating these vehicles themselves. Officials stated that the new restrictions would apply uniformly regardless of whether the vehicles are being operated by commercial drivers or driven by tourists.

The congestion at Kainchi Dham, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination, has been a persistent issue during peak tourist seasons. Police indicated that the crackdown aims to bring order to traffic management while encouraging visitors to use properly registered and regulated transportation services in the region.