The Sikkim government has fixed the taxi fare between Nathula and Gangtok to prevent overcharging of tour operators. According to an order issued by Principal Secretary (Tourism and Civil Aviation Department) CS Rao, the fare for luxury and normal vehicles has been fixed at Rs 7,000 and Rs 6,500 respectively, including permit fees, for a round trip between Nathula and the state capital. Gangtok with immediate effect.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has also made public its contact number and police checkpoint if any problem arises in overcharging.
The aggrieved visitors can contact the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department at 9434182178, Police Check Post at 7908081127 and Transport Department at 9434126851 for any issues regarding overcharging.
Anyone violating the above rates will be dealt with strictly by the Transport Department in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Central Motor Vehicle Act 1988 & CMV Rules 1989 and Sikkim Motor Vehicles Rules 1991, the order said.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has also restricted the limit of permits to be issued by it for Nathula to 800 vehicles till June 30. This office decision was issued following the high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary VB Pathak, Attended by DGP AK Singh, besides Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department and officials of Transport Department.
The central government had recently slammed the state government for charging exorbitant taxi fares and travel permits to tourists visiting Sikkim by tour operators.
