The Manali – Leh route is one one of the most popular route for riders in India. And there has been conflict between the Ladakh Bikers Union and Manali Bikers Association regarding the services and products offered in this region. To resolve these issues, both the unions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This understanding will definitely help tourists to travel in the region. Representatives of both the Ladakh Bikers Union and Manali Bikers Association were present.
The following are the key points of this discussion based on their combined press conference.
- No restrictions on rental bikes on the highways, given that they have commercial registrations. This is maintain both the safety and security concerns in the region.
- Private vehicles used for rental purpose will be seized by the local RTO. The Unions will also work towards preventing such activities.
- Manali Bikers Association will handle the tourist destinations on the highways only. Locations in the interiors or taking diversions will not be under their jurisdiction.
- Both the groups will look to the strict implementation of Wildlife related laws in the trip.
- Road captains will also have have to use bikes with commercial registration.
- Number of trips will be maintained via vouchers from both the organisations.
- In order to give hassle free service to the tourists, this agreement will remain valid for 3 years.
- Tourism businesses across the country will have to clear up their dues with members of both the unions. If not cleared, that business will be black listed from both the unions and denied bikes and services.
- Union members will also face issues if found supporting businesses with these black listed brands.
- Together they will set up a garage at Sarchu to support the customers of both the unions.
Travelers across the country have taken this as a positive step. The conflicts between the members of both the organisations often cause problems for the bikes using rental services. Previously the Ladakh Motorcycles Co-operative had prevented rental bikes from Himachal Pradesh from entering the region.
Feature Image Courtesy : Pranjal Baruah.
