As part of a raft of new initiatives, India’s new culture and tourism minister Mahesh Sharma has proposed installing electronic chips in tourist taxis to safeguard passengers and stop overcharging of tourists.
The technology would be used to track the movement of vehicles.
"The first check point is that after tourists disembark at our airports, we will give them the option of travelling by chip enabled taxis, which would be secured," Sharma said.
The complete bio-data of the taxi drivers would be available with us. It would be implemented in three months."
"We will request tourists to use these taxis. We would also ensure that they do not cheat and over charge the tourists," Sharma added.
He also said there would be a crackdown on touts harassing foreign tourists at airports and tourist spots.
"There will be tough action against touts who are found harassing tourists coming from outside. It will not be tolerated," he said.
To combat this, the minister wants to set up monitored tourist facility centres primarily catering to overseas visitors.
"Facilitation centres for tourists particularly for overseas visitors will be set up at all international airports and only authorised taxi operators will be allowed to ply at these places".
