Govt takes note of Rs 4,000 taxi bill, to thrash out teething problems at Mopa

Panaji: The state will hold a review meeting with all stakeholders on Tuesday to iron out the teething problems that have surfaced at the Manohar International Airport. Making the announcement, tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said that the state has taken note of the Rs 4,148 taxi fare paid for a trip from Mopa to Benaulim.
While Khaunte said that the fare is as per the notified government rates, he, however, admitted that there is a need to discuss taxi fares.
“When any new venture is started, there will be teething problems. When a new airport starts, it takes time to put the logistics in place and settle the issues,” said Khaunte.
The minister said that it would take at least a month to settle the initial hiccups and challenges at the new airport. He said that on Tuesday, officials from the tourism and transport departments, Goa Police, GMR Goa International Airport Ltd., and other agencies will discuss the issues and find solutions.
“We are keen on improving the situation, and on Tuesday we will have a preliminary meeting to discuss where the shortfalls are,” said Khaunte. “This week there will be a review with the chief minister to see what are the security challenges, what are the passenger’s problems, what problems do the taxi counters face, and what are the parking problems,”
Commenting on the tourist taxi bill that was widely circulated on Saturday, Khaunte said that he has asked Goa Electronics Ltd. for a report on the transaction and the type of vehicle that was used.
A passenger took a taxi from Mopa to a five-star resort at Benaulim, paying Rs 4,148 for the trip, at a cost of Rs 49 per km. The bill for the trip was widely shared, with many pointing out that the fare for the 65-km trip was more than the airfare for a Mumbai Goa or Bengaluru Goa flight.
“I admit that this is an issue for deliberation and there is a need for corrective measures,” said Khaunte. “We are very clear that the taxi operators need to earn, and they have to go by the director of transport’s notified rate. If some taxi operators feel that the rate is high, we can reduce it. If there are other suggestions, we will also look into them but let us give it a month at least.”
Khaunte said that tourists and Goans have the option of choosing an airport that is closest to their final destination.