Kangra taxi drivers protest against ATS, GPS system in Dharamshala

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Dharamshala, July 27

Taxi drivers from 35 taxi unions across Kangra district staged a major protest in Dharamshala on Monday against the implementation of the ATS and GPS system, warning the government of an indefinite blockade at all district border points if their demands are not addressed soon.

The demonstrators marched against the government and district administration, alleging that the ATS and GPS system has adversely affected their livelihoods. They warned that failure to resolve the issue would force them to intensify their agitation by blocking all border entry points in Kangra district.

According to the protesters, they had earlier organised a day-long chakka jam near Gandhi Park in Dharamshala around four months ago. At that time, the district administration had assured them that their demands would be conveyed to the Central Government. However, they claimed that no concrete decision has been taken so far, leading to growing resentment among taxi operators.

During the protest, Beed-Billing Taxi Union president Deshraj said the ATS and GPS system has severely impacted the income of taxi drivers.

“We have repeatedly informed the government and the administration about our problems, but no solution has been found so far. If our demands are not accepted soon, all border areas of Kangra district will witness an indefinite chakka jam,” he said.

Deshraj clarified that emergency services, including ambulances, would be allowed to pass during the proposed blockade, while the movement of all other vehicles would be stopped. He added that the responsibility for any inconvenience would lie with the government and the administration.

He further stated that the agitation has remained entirely peaceful but alleged that continuous neglect by the authorities has compelled taxi drivers to prepare for a larger protest. He urged the government to resolve the issue at the earliest to avoid further escalation.