PERNEM: A large police force was deployed outside the main gate of the Manohar Parrikar International Airport at Mopa to prevent any disturbances following protest by taxi operators over hike in parking fees.
A few days back the GMR Goa International Airport Limited increased the taxi parking fee at the Mopa airport from Rs 80 to Rs 200. Furious taxi operators are protesting the sudden increase in the parking fee.
The peeved taxi operators had met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and it was agreed that the fee will be reverted to Rs 80. However, the GMR Goa International Airport Limited has stuck to its increased parking fee of Rs 200.
There was a major ruckus between the police and taxi drivers at Mopa on Tuesday.
But North SP Akshat Kaushal, IPS, said, “The situation outside Mopa Airport is normal. We assure all passengers that everything is running smoothly and there is no cause for concern.”
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar on Tuesday met the protesting taxi operators and assured them that he will discuss the issue with the Chief Minister. Till then the company should not implement the revised fees, he said, adding that the Chief Minister will resolve the issue. Following MLA’s assurance, the taxi operators withdrew their protest.