Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Wednesday (October 3) announced that the government is planning to introduce app-based cab services like Ola or Uber for passengers traveling to and from Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport.
The goal is to offer more comfortable and cost-effective journeys in addition to the existing prepaid taxi and auto services currently available.
4,000 passengers daily
Chowdhury mentioned that the airport handles around 4,000 passengers daily, and while prepaid options are available, they fall short in comparison to app-based services. “The existing facility could not give services at par with Ola or Uber and that’s the reason behind the government’s plan,” he said.
The government aims to enhance the quality of transport options at the airport by implementing these services.
Addressing concerns from local taxi and auto operators, the minister assured that their interests would be protected, and the introduction of app-based services would not negatively impact their businesses.
He also urged the operators to remain available until the last flight arrives to ensure passengers receive the best possible service.
Chowdhury further noted that most airports already have app-based cab services and hinted at the eventual introduction of international flights from Agartala to Chittagong, Bangladesh, though the timeline may be delayed.