Kerala Government's Innovative Move Benefits Tourist Taxi Drivers

Kerala Government's Labor-Friendly Move for Taxi Drivers

The Kerala Government has implemented a labour-friendly initiative in the tourism sector, making it mandatory for classified hotels and other tourist accommodation units in the state to provide restrooms and other essential facilities for tourist taxi drivers transporting domestic and foreign tourists in their vehicles.

The decision was made considering the vital role taxi drivers play in the tourism industry, ensuring the safe and comfortable transportation of tourists across the state. The Tourism Minister, Shri P A Mohamed Riyas, addressed the challenges tourist taxi drivers face during discussions with stakeholders, including drivers' unions.

The Minister convened a meeting to investigate the issue in January this year. Following discussions, the authorities concerned were directed to develop guidelines for ensuring clean restroom facilities for taxi drivers as part of initiatives to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all stakeholders in the tourism sector.

"Taxi drivers are essential to Kerala Tourism, and this decision fulfills their long-awaited request for basic amenities," stated the Tourism Minister. 

“The taxi drivers have a vital role in ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for tourists. They safely take tourists to the destinations of their choice and also share basic information about the places they visit. The government is implementing an assurance given to the drivers through this order. This will help enhance the enjoyment of tourists,” Riyas said. 

The recent government order mandates that all hotels and tourism accommodations in Kerala must ensure the provision of sufficient restrooms and bathroom facilities for taxi drivers who transport domestic and international tourists to various tourist destinations in and around the state. The Tourism Department intends to issue unique identity cards for tourist taxi drivers and conduct awareness sessions for them.