PANAJI
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Friday acknowledged mounting concerns over self-drive vehicle accidents in the State, saying the government was considering a ‘holistic approach’, while also indicating it could include stricter operating procedures, enforcement action, and an inter-departmental review.
The remarks come after a series of reckless driving incidents by tourists using rental cars and bikes, including a fatal crash in Siolim where a rented Thar collided head-on with a scooter, killing the rider on the spot. Just three days earlier, a serious hit-and-run was reported in Sirlim after the driver of another rented Thar hit a woman biker, leaving her critically injured.
“Several departments are involved in the matter... We need a holistic approach on whether such operations should continue, what action needs to be taken against errant rental vehicle operators and tourists, and SOPs governing their functioning,” he said, replying to media queries on rising cases against rental vehicle drivers/tourists.
The minister indicated that the government was reviewing the functioning of rental vehicle operators and the procedures followed while handing over vehicles to tourists, suggesting that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant convene an inter-departmental meeting and take a holistic approach.
“There are issues, there are concerns. We have to find solutions to these problems,” Khaunte said while further mentioning that Goa’s position as one of India’s most visible tourist destinations meant that even isolated incidents attracted national attention and risked damaging the State’s image.
“Goa, being a preferred tourism destination, even a small issue gets highlighted. We have to manage it,” he said, adding that the government’s larger focus remained on “value over volume” tourism and responsible travel practices.
He also criticised reckless driving by visitors, saying tourists must share responsibility for road safety.
“Here they come and become irresponsible tourists. They don’t lose anything, but our people in Goa lose their lives,” he said, adding that tourists too must take responsibility for driving properly.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, during a party meeting, also raised concerns over the rising number of accidents caused by drivers of rental vehicles, demanding strict action against errant drivers as well as operators accused of flouting procedures.
