Night bus services between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been suspended indefinitely following a protest by bus drivers over illegal fees and harassment at check gates in Dibang Valley. The disruption has left passengers and daily commuters facing uncertainty about late-night travel across the border.
The protest was organized by the Night Bus Drivers’ Association, whose members gathered at the Shanti Pur check gate on the Assam-Arunachal border. According to the drivers, buses entering Arunachal Pradesh are forced to pay multiple illegal charges. Passengers reportedly have to pay an additional ₹50 on top of the regular ₹30 fare at the check gate. Furthermore, bus operators are allegedly required to give unauthorized contributions of up to ₹15,000 per bus to certain local groups or organisations.
The association has demanded immediate intervention from the Dibang Valley district administration. They have warned that if their concerns are not addressed soon, night bus services from Roing in Arunachal Pradesh to Assam will remain suspended for an indefinite period.