MAPUSA
The State government on Tuesday made a categorical assurance that locals from Pernem taluka will be given preference to run their taxis at the new Manohar International Airport at Mopa, with the condition that they will have to strictly follow the queue system to ensure smooth movement of transport.
“For the taxi service at Mopa, preference will be given to locals of Pernem taluka who will strictly follow the queue system. People of Pernem felt that they were not given preference not only in jobs but also in terms of
logistics which has now been sorted out. All other vehicles will also be allowed to register at the counter,” said Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte.
The first commercial flight is expected to land at the new International Greenfield Airport at Mopa on January 5. Several airlines have already started booking slots at the new airport with IndiGo Airlines showing inclination to start 84 weekly flights from Mopa connecting eight destinations.
The Tourism department held a review meeting to discuss how to handle the transport logistics to ensure smooth movement of tourists who will have to travel from Mopa to other parts of the State.
“We will require at least 600 vehicles in the initial stage. The passengers have a choice to either use GoaMiles, Goa taxis or follow the queue system which will be handled by the Goa Tourism. Simultaneously, at least eight KTC buses will also be available,” Khaunte informed.
The new airport will be operated by GMR Airports which also operates airports in Delhi and Hyderabad.
Passengers to be allowed choice of transport at Port
MAPUSA: The government has also decided to ensure smooth movement of cruise ships that call on the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), so that the passengers get to choose their mode of transport.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte informed that the State was looking towards nautical tourism to increase tourist footfalls in the State and discussed various ways to ensure smooth movement of passengers that disembark from the cruise ships at the MPA.
“Nautical tourism in the right sense will contribute to the economy of Goa. We expect 42 ships this year, of which 12 are international and 30 domestic. We want to increase this number and therefore want to put a system in place,” he said.
