MAPUSA
In a veiled threat, the North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association on Thursday said that it would oppose any move to introduce Kadamba Transport Corporation’s taxi service in Goa.
“Goenkars are not mafia. But if the government is adamant and goes ahead with its plan to introduce parallel taxi service, we can become mafia,” said Bapa Korgonkar, spokesman of NGTTOA, virtually threatening the State government.
The taxi owners were speaking to media after an informal meeting of the Association members in Calangute. Around 70 taxi owners had gathered informally at Shantadurga Devasthan, Calangute.
In an attempt to pre-empt any government move to introduce KTC taxi service, the Association members said they will come on streets and paralyse the capital city.
According to Korgoankar, KTC was running in a loss and had even no funds to replace tyres of buses but were planning to start shuttle taxi service with Rs 4.5 crore.
Opposing any move on taxi service by government, the Association’s secretary, Vinayak Nanoskar said if the govt was hell bent in bringing KTC taxis they would paralyse Panaji.
“We had a peaceful protest against speed governors in Panaji. But if government brings in KTC taxis we will descend on roads and block Panaji,” Nanoskar said.
Earlier in January, hundreds of taxi operators had gathered at the historic Azad Maidan in Panaji to express solidarity with the striking taximen over the implementation of fitting speed governors.
Taxi operators had kept their vehicles off the roads despite the government invoking the Essential Services Management Act prohibiting the strike.
The strike left hundreds of passengers and tourists stranded at railway stations, the airport and hotels. A fleet of 350 yellow and black pre-paid taxis were seen ferrying passengers in the morning but later joined the strike.
