PERNEM
After considerable delay, the Blue Taxi stand has finally been sanctioned for local taxi operators at the Manohar International Airport at Mopa and will start operating from December 1, with 200 local taxi operators given permits to operate Blue Taxis.
This was announced by Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, while interacting with spokesperson for the taxi operators, Sudip Tamhankar, Mopa Sarpanch Subodh Mahale, Pernem BJP Mandal President Tulshidas Gawas and local taxi operators, at his residence.
Asked for the delay in setting up the Blue Taxi stand, Arlekar admitted that legal procedures and sanctions from authorities took time.
“The taxi operators had to wait for nearly a year and we were continuously engaged in talks with the State government. I was with the taxi operators even when they took to the streets to agitate,” recalled Arlekar.
“But with the cooperation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who kept his word, the Blue Taxi counter at Manohar International Airport will now begin operating on December 1,” said Arlekar.
Stating that 200 taxi operators have been given permits, Arlekar said this meant that 200 jobs have been created for locals.
“All these taxi operators should maintain discipline at the airport and do their work sincerely. Fifty more taxi operators will be granted permits in the future and I will push the government in this matter,” assured Arlekar.
Sudip Tamhankar recalled that the agitation continued from November 14, 2022, and the taxi operators had met the government, chief minister and other ministers 11 times during this tenure.
He also warned the taxi operators about the probability of competition as four-five taxi counters would be operating at the airport, and that the local taxi operators should do their job honestly.
Pernem BJP Mandal President and Chandel-Hasapur Sarpanch Tulshidas Gawas thanked the government for listening to the local taxi operators. Mopa Sarpanch Subodh Mahale and Bahujan Samaj leader Umesh Talvanekar also spoke on the occasion.
