VASCO: In response to the opposition to the opening of new car rental counter at the airport, Dabolim Airport Director B C H Negi on Sunday informed that as per Airport Authority of India (AAI) Act 1994, AAI is empowered to have car rental/maxi cab facility at the airports managed by it across the country as the same is essential for passenger facilitation.
The Airport Taxi Union on Saturday clarified that they have no issues with car rental counter operations but would have strong objections if the agency involved starts point-to-point services.
“Certain people are raising doubts about the Car Rental/Maxi Cab Services Contract awarded to M/s Taj India Tours by AAI, Goa International Airport. It is clarified that AAI is a statutory body formed by the Act of Parliament. As per AAI Act 1994, AAI is empowered to have any such facility at AAI-managed airports in the country which are essential for passenger facilitation. Also ground transport facilities at any of the airports are basic essential facilities required for passengers,” Negi said.
While providing details of the tender issued by AAI for Car Rental/Maxi Cab facility, he also clarified that the tender for this facility at Goa Airport was called 4 times (in between 2015-16), before inviting tender in 2017. However, tender was not finalised due to technical disqualification of bidders over non-fulfilment of technical eligibility criteria.
He said that in 2017(second occasion), during July-August, two agencies participated in the tender namely M/s Taj India Tours and Select Cabs and Taj India got licence, being H1(Highest bidder) during October 2017. He claimed that the subject e-tender was published in newspapers as well as uploaded on the NIC portal/website.
“As per technical eligibility criteria, the bidders should have minimum 30 vehicles in their name and 3 years operating experience anywhere in country to participate in the tender. M/s Taj India Tours emerged as H1 bidder and was awarded the contract in November 2017. The agency was supposed to start the service in October after completing all required formalities as per tender that also included any mandatory regulatory approvals required from State/Central Government Authorities,” Negi said.
“In the past, M/s SOTC was operating a similar service from old terminal of Goa airport for around 5 years without any problems. Now, under the new contract, the work scope as per the tender is clear on Car Rental/Maxi Cab Services to be provided by the agency. Due to delay in getting required approvals, the agency approached High Court which directed the Government to issue necessary approvals. The agency was recently granted licence by the State Regional Transport Authority following High Court directions,” Negi clarified.
