Latest news with #GoaTourismDevelopmentCorporation
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Business Standard
15-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
1 in 3 Goa taxis now local app-based as state bars outside aggregators
Nearly one out of three taxis operating in Goa are enrolled on the local app-based platforms in the coastal state, with most of them catering to tourists, official data shows. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's recent announcement that his government will not allow cab aggregators from outside Goa has raised hopes for the local app-based mobility platforms, which have been in the market for some time now. As per government figures, out of the total 12,000 tourist taxis operating in the state, 5,000 are on board the app-based platforms, mostly with two companies -- Goa Miles and Goa Taxi App. The Goa Miles alone has a fleet of 4,000-odd taxis on board. Allaying the apprehensions raised by local tourist taxi drivers over the Goa Transport Aggregators Guidelines 2025, CM Sawant on Friday said cab aggregators from outside will not be allowed in the state. The draft guidelines were issued on May 20. The last date to give suggestions and raise objections is June 30. Goa Miles Chief Executive Officer Utkarsh Dabhade told PTI that their service, which is affiliated to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, was introduced seven years ago. "Since the introduction of the app-based service, we have been receiving good response from tourists and locals alike," he said. On an average, the Goa Miles fleet transports 15,000 passengers daily, of whom 85 per cent are tourists and 15 per cent local travellers, Dabhade said. He said their services are available across the state, majorly at both the airports - Manohar International Airport at Mopa (in North Goa) and the international airport at Dabolim (South Goa). The service has been completely a Goan brand with 100 per cent of the staff, including taxi owners, from the state, he said. The state-run Goa Taxi App has been active for the last two years with more than 1,000 taxis on board the platform. The service, having been introduced by the state government, is completely tourist-friendly with regards to rates and other facilities, a senior Goa Taxi App official said. It would be beneficial for all the tourist taxi owners to get onboard the app-based service to get better business and also other facilities, he added.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
No vehicular access to Dudhsagar falls
Panaji: In light of the advancing monsoon and subsequent widespread rainfall over the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, the Goa forest department announced the temporary closure of vehicular access to the Dudhsagar waterfalls via the forest road starting June 10, until further notice. The decision was taken to ensure public safety, as confirmed by the deputy conservator of forests, wildlife and eco-tourism (North), Jiss Varkey. While vehicle movement is suspended, guided trekking to Dudhsagar waterfalls will remain open to visitors. This activity can be booked exclusively through the online portal managed by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, and will require payment of forest entry fees and handling charges. The entry time slot for trekking has been fixed between 7.30 am and 11am, with access through the forest gate at Collem. Additionally, the fee for nature guide services was revised to Rs 300 per person.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
In Goa, a cab conundrum: Taxi operators raise the heat, govt urges them to join state-backed apps
The Goa tourism department has urged local taxi operators to 'integrate' with state-backed digital taxi platforms — Goa Taxi App and GoaMiles — to align with the government's broader vision to promote 'smart mobility, economic inclusion and a tourist-friendly environment through regulated and transparent services'. The appeal comes in the wake of the government recently publishing draft guidelines to regulate app-based transport aggregators. Taxi unions have threatened to stage protests, saying the move would pave the way for the entry of private app-based taxi aggregators that could threaten their livelihood. On Monday, taxi operators queued outside the transport department office in Panaji and submitted their written objections to the draft guidelines. In their objections, the taxi drivers demanded clarity on the structure of fares, stating that the entry of app-based taxi aggregators would 'monopolise' the transport sector and drive out local taxi operators. Some drivers demanded that the cab aggregators be restricted to providing basic pick-up and drop services and not be allowed to facilitate bookings for local sightseeing tours, event transportation, cruise bookings or other pre-arranged sightseeing activities. 'These segments are the backbone of our local tourism economy and directly support small businesses, guides and operators,' the taxi operators stated in a memorandum. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday said the guidelines were only at the draft stage. 'We have given one month's time to take everyone's opinion. We will take them (taxi operators) into confidence. If tomorrow, they say we want to come together under their own aggregator, I will not hesitate to even finance them. Let them operate it themselves. They are talking as if we are forcing something on them or are opposed to them. Ultimately, they are the biggest stakeholders. We will consult with them. They will have to fall in line. This is about streamlining the long-overdue taxi service system,' said Godinho. In a statement on Tuesday, the tourism department said that as the state redefines its tourism identity through innovation and sustainability, regulated taxi services will play a key role in shaping positive travel experiences. 'The department of tourism reiterates its commitment to building a modern, inclusive tourism ecosystem where technology benefits all, from local drivers to global visitors,' it said. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said, 'We urge all Goan taxi brothers to come on board and make use of this free, government-supported platform (Goa Taxi App) that is designed especially to benefit them. It is not only about convenience for tourists, but about creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities for our local communities.' The department said that GoaMiles, operated under the supervision of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), continues to be a trusted app-based aggregator. 'These platforms ensure fair compensation aligned with government-notified rates and promote service quality through digital ratings and real-time monitoring,' the statement said. Meanwhile, a group of taxi operators met Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo on Tuesday to reiterate their demand to oppose the entry of app-based cab aggregators. During a heated discussion with the taxi operators, Michael Lobo assured them of his support and said aggregators from outside the state would not be allowed. However, he also said that 'everything should be online, including the market rate for taxis'.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
In Goa, app-based taxis might finally make an entry — and local cabbies aren't happy
Days after Goa government published draft guidelines to regulate app-based transport aggregators, taxi unions across the state have threatened to stage protests saying the move will pave the way for entry of private app-based taxi aggregators into the coastal state and threaten their livelihood. The draft guidelines 'Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025' outline a regulatory framework for app-based taxi and bike taxi operators — including licencing fee, tariffs and incentives. For years, tourists visiting the state have complained that the privately-owned tourist taxis in Goa charge 'extortionate' and 'arbitrary' rates and fleece them. According to the government, the draft guidelines published in the Official Gazette on May 20 will be taken into consideration on the expiry of 30 days from the date of publication in the Gazette. Any objection to the guidelines may be sent to the transport department during the interim period. The guidelines state that an aggregator should on-board only drivers with a valid PSV (private service vehicle) badge and that they 'shall not prevent or disincentivise the driver to on-board with multiple aggregators'. Additionally, an aggregator must ensure a health insurance for at least Rs 10 lakh with financial year 2025-26 as base year and an increment of 5 percent each year. For female drivers, the health insurance shall extend to their parents and children. Crucially, the guidelines state that the aggregator shall 'guarantee that the owner receives at least the fare as prescribed by the government for every journey completed by the passenger'. 'The aggregator shall not make any deductions whatsoever from the fare receivable by the owner… The aggregator shall ensure that all the payments to the owner are settled within 72 hours from the completion of the journey,' it adds. The draft guidelines also list some incentives for aggregators from the government, including a 100 percent waiver of renewal fee if 20 percent of the fleet is driven by female drivers at the time of renewal and a full reimbursement of annual insurance premium paid or Rs 30,000 to the owner of a female driven vehicle that complete 500 trips on apps in a year. Unlicenced operations or violation of licence conditions shall result in a penalty of Rs 50 lakh and blacklisting of the person or aggregator. A violation of fare regulations may result in a penalty of Rs 5 lakh for each instance. According to tourists, the entry of app-based taxi aggregators would bring in competitive pricing, ensure considerably lower fares and help in regulating the taxi market, which is controlled by 'powerful' taxi unions. The local taxi unions have, however, opposed any such moves, saying the private app-based taxi operators would open the floodgates for 'outsiders' from neighbouring states to come, resulting in job losses for local Goan drivers and taxi owners. In 2018, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation launched a state government-backed app-based taxi service – GoaMiles – which was the state's first app-based service. A government official, requesting anonymity, said the draft guidelines will be refined 'based on the suggestions that are received'. 'The guidelines are aimed at facilitating app-based convenience for locals and tourists, improving mobility and access to reliable taxi services and at the same time protecting the interests of local drivers,' he said. But taxi unions have objected to it saying the private app-based taxi aggregators are more suited for metropolitan cities where the volume of traffic is high and proper infrastructure is available to integrate services. 'Goa has a small population and vehicle ownership per capita is high. Our jobs are dependent on tourists, especially in the coastal beach belt. For an app-based service, there will be no demand in the mining belt or hinterland areas. These app-based aggregators will flood the market with a large fleet and onboard drivers from other states and drive us out. The traditional businesses, whether shacks or taxis, must stay in the hands of locals,' Yogesh Govekar, a driver and a member of an umbrella union, the All Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association, told The Indian Express. 'We will not allow these aggregators to come in. We will come out on the streets and protest. It is a question of our identity and livelihood,' he said. Sunil Naik, President of the North and South Goa Taxi Owners Association, told the media: 'These guidelines are not acceptable to us. They are not properly defined and create a perception that people from across the country will come here and start operating taxis. We are self-made people who have grown up and built our businesses. We are not going to give that all up and start working for a corporation'. A spokesperson for Uber said: 'We believe tourists as much as locals in Goa deserve more mobility choices, and there is already strong existing demand for reliable ride options in the state. This regulatory update makes it possible for platforms like Uber to serve that demand more effectively and responsibly. As we review the draft guidelines in detail, we will submit our formal comments and continue collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the final framework delivers long-term value for riders, drivers, and Goa's tourism-led economy'.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
GTDC plans to redevelop Vasco Residency via PPP model
Panaji: In a fresh push to monetise its properties, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) initiated steps to hand over the Vasco Residency to a private entity for hotel redevelopment through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This follows its recent offer of a 22,529sqm plot at Britona to private developers with a 100% floor area ratio (FAR) for a 60-year lease. A similar PPP plan is also under way for its Miramar property. Spread over a 3,158sqm plot in the heart of Vasco, Vasco Residency is a ground plus five-storey structure with 63 rooms and a restaurant. GTDC maintains and operates the facility, which is among its key city-based tourism assets with a built-up area of 5,558.5sqm. Under the proposed PPP model, the selected private concessionaire will have to demolish the existing structure and build a new 3-star or higher category city hotel with at least 30 rooms. The project will follow the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer model. The site, which falls under the C1 commercial zone as per the Regional Plan 2021, allows development up to 200% FAR, 24m maximum height (including stilts), and 40% ground coverage. GTDC has allowed the concessionaire flexibility to develop additional commercial components on-site, such as a multiplex or theatre, adding a cultural or entertainment layer to the facility. If awarded, the project agreement will initially run for 30 years, with an option to renew for another 30 years, subject to terms and conditions. The GTDC's shift to the PPP model aims to revive its ageing infrastructure using private capital and expertise. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, privatising long-standing public assets like Vasco Residency — located in a high-traffic urban node — may invite scrutiny over public interest, long-term control, and commercial use of public land. GTDC decided to outsource properties like Miramar Residency, Old Goa Residency, Britona Residency, and Anjuna Residency over a decade ago under the PPP model. Still, the results did not yield the desired outcome for govt. The Miramar Residency, which spans 20,000sqm, features 60 rooms. In its place, GTDC wants to build a resort with 587 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and a pool.
