Kerala: Container hostels for drivers at tourist spots considered

Thiruvananthapuram: According to stakeholders, the tourism industry is facing an acute shortage of drivers due to such issues.

It has been revealed that drivers going on packaged tours are forced to sleep on vehicles parked on the roadside for several days as they are neither provided proper accommodation nor a place to rest overnight after long hours of driving. Facility is available. Stakeholders have proposed setting up container dormitories at major destinations to facilitate the well-being of drivers.

On Wednesday, Tourism Minister P A Mohammad Riyas held a meeting with industry stakeholders, including travel and tour operators and taxi unions, to address the issue. He said necessary steps would be taken to ensure basic facilities for drivers in hotels, resorts and homestays. It was decided in the meeting to make it mandatory for hotels and homestays to provide at least two rooms for drivers.

However, tour operators and taxi drivers are unhappy with this decision. Tourist Transport Operators Association President Sanjeev Kumar said this is not a long-term solution. “We proposed that the government provide land to set up container hostels. For example, in Munnar, the number of rooms in hotels ranges from 25 to 50, and two rooms are inadequate for drivers,” Sanjeev said. He said the best approach is to provide a common hostel facility for the drivers. “This can also create jobs. We have proposed container hostels but they are looking for an immediate solution, not a long term one. The minister has promised to consider the proposal in future. If the government is ready to provide land, the container hostel can be set up within six months and it is not a permanent construction,” Sanjeev said. He said the department should conduct destination-based studies to find out the actual needs of drivers.