MARGAO: The tourist taxi owners and drivers from Benaulim have issued an urgent plea to the State government, urging a one-year postponement of the mandated installation of speed governors.
Expressing their predicament, they highlighted the logistical challenges exacerbated by the closure of workshops operated by private vendors, who have departed for their home States. The operators emphasised the necessity for the Transport Department to facilitate the issuance of fitness certificates for tourist taxis in the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, they advocated for a policy, which would mandate vehicle manufacturers to integrate speed governors during the production phase, citing concerns over the reliability of units installed by private entities.
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The tourist taxi operators also met Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas in this regard.
After listening to their concerns, the MLA expressed his support for them, emphasising that their taxi business serves as their sole source of livelihood. He noted that the implementation of speed governors, currently being pursued through legal channels, should have been accompanied by government relief measures, such as allowing a one-year grace period for operators to install the units. Viegas questioned why only taxi vehicles were targeted for speed governors when accidents are also a risk for private vehicles, government vehicles, and those used by high-ranking officials.
Highlighting the pivotal role played by tourist taxi operators along the Salcete coastal belt from Cavelosim to Colva, Venzy underscored their contribution to the growth of the tourism sector. He pointed out that this coastal area was once dense jungle until locals collaborated with hotel managements to establish hotels and resorts. These same locals ventured into the taxi business to cater to tourists, thereby playing an important role in the industry’s development. Viegas stressed the importance of ensuring that these hardworking individuals, who have been instrumental in the industry’s success, are not unduly burdened in obtaining fitness certificates.
