Team Herald
PANJIM: The tourism department is set to introduce two joy rides in yet another attempt to attract consistent flow of tourists wishing for adventurous experience in the State.
The two projects — Hop On Hop Off buses and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) — is soon to take off even as the former is awaiting permission from the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MRTH).
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Chairman Nilesh Cabral has confirmed the fresh development stating a variety of tourism-related activities will further boost tourism.
“A lot is focused on the beaches. Its time to explore the least explored parts of Goa. Hop On Hop Off (open-topped double decker) buses and ATVs will further flourish tourism,” he said speaking to Herald. Once launched, Goa will be the first state in the country to introduce double-decker buses.
The Pune-based M/s Prasanna Purple Mobility Pvt Ltd, that has obtained the Letter of Interest for operations, is however awaiting a green signal from the MRTH to ply the vehicles on the streets of Goa. “Once the Centre grants permission, we are certain that State will give subsequent permissions required to run the buses,” Cabral said.
The agency’s initial plan is to ply four buses to gradually increase the number. “Non-availability of necessary permission/s to ply the double-decker has delayed the project. Permission can be granted either by Goa transport department under special permission or if central government issues bus body code for the bus,” company official Rohit Pardesi told Herald in an email interview.
To facilitate and expedite the process for finalising the code, he further said, tourism department has submitted request letter to MRTH with a copy to Central Institute of Road Department on September 23.
The company is ready with more buses depending on the traffic response and support from the local authorities. “Expected annual (domestic and international) tourist traffic to use the buses is around 25,000 in the first year which is expected to grow at an annual growth of around 20 percent and then stabilize to around 10 percent,” Pardesi said estimating the response for the trip.
Meanwhile, the other joy ride – ATV Trails, awarded to Aquara Adventures Pvt Ltd is also soon expected in the interiors of Arpora.
