Taxi operators in Dabolim have been stressing on the need to increase the area for taxi parking as well as to find an alternative parking area for taxi operators. After the de-notification of Survey 8/1, which had been notified for city-side facilities, GFDO had identified alternative land in reasonable proximity to the airport, which could be examined as a potential parking site, with facilities that would make the long wait of most taxi drivers safer and more comfortable.
“Dabolim airport has been rated as the fourth best among 58 airports in the 2 to 5 million capacity category in Asia for 2015 by the Airport Council International, an authority that gives out awards for airport service quality. In such a scenario, it is strange and perplexing why the State government, which claims that it is committed to development, is treating such a gem of an airport with callous neglect and disregard,” said GFDO, adding, “Upgrading infrastructure and conveniences should be the first priority of any government sincere about the development of the economy and the State.”
“It is now over two months since Defence Minister Parrikar claimed that his Ministry had initiated an inquiry “against the illegal construction of a golf course by the Indian Navy” in Goa. If the golf course is illegal, as the defence minister himself has confirmed, the question arises as to why the golf course is not being demolished to make way for urgently needed airport facilities,” said Fr Eremito Rebello of GFDO.
He added, “It is also surprising why the taxiway, which will facilitate the operation of an increased number of flights, has been left pending for so many years.”
GFDO has also requested Parrikar to examine the possibility of providing longer operational timing to accommodate more flights.
