PANJIM/MARGAO: The Konkan Railway Corporation’s (KRC) plans to start rent-a-bike services at four stations has come as a shocker for taxi owners, rickshaw drivers, and motorcycle pilots who rely on business at the KRC stations across the State.
Santosh Chodankar, who operates rent-a-bike service in Panjim, demanded to know how the Transport Department grant permits to the KRC when it had already put a moratorium on the scheme.
According to Chodankar, last year the government allowed existing rent-a-bike operators to buy additional five two-wheelers and stopped granting more permits.
“We don’t know how KRC got permits to operate rent-a-bike scheme at four stations. But it will definitely affect our livelihood,” he said.
South Goa Six-Seater Operators Association president Francis Silva, said, “As per the Act, rent-a-bike operators have to operate their business from their residences or offices and not from public places. I don’t know whether the Transport Department has granted permit to KRC to start rent-a-bike service and that too on which address. The government had also stopped issuing permits under the rent-a-bike scheme.”
Expressing frustration, a taxi owner said, “First, there was the pay parking issue, leading to a fight between a taxi driver and the previous contractor who was sacked. This pay parking has already hurt our business. Secondly, the government introduced the online taxi app right here at the station when we are suffering. Now, this rent-a-bike service will affect us as our livelihood depends on this business.”
The other taxi owners recalled their meeting with Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte when the government’s online taxi app counter was launched at the Margao Railway Station. At that time, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat was present, and they had voiced their concerns not just about the online app, but also the problems they face at the station. Instead of addressing their grievances, they now face yet another challenge to their business with the rent-a-bike service.
Rickshaw and motorcycle pilots fear they will be the most affected, as clients, who would otherwise hire them, may opt for the rent-a-bike service. The taxi owners stated they are already facing challenges from rent-a-car services and Goa Miles.
Earlier in the day, while addressing media persons in Margao, Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and MLA Vijai Sardesai expressed grave concerns over Konkan Railway Corporation’s recent initiatives.
“It is disheartening to see the Konkan Railway, which should focus on its core business of running trains on time, venturing into the tourism sector – a domain traditionally managed by Goans. This move raises several critical questions and issues that need immediate attention and clarification,” said Sardesai.
The Fatorda MLA further stated that the Konkan Railway’s plan to venture into bike and car rentals, along with setting up pod hotels at Margao Railway Station, seems to be an attempt to compete with Goa’s thriving tourism sector, especially in Margao. “This sector has been a significant source of livelihood for many Goans, and such initiatives by a central entity threaten to undermine their businesses. Why is the Konkan Railway trying to take away the businesses of Goans? Why is it encroaching on areas where Goans have historically excelled and thrived?” he added.
Furthermore, Sardesai stated that there are ongoing discussions about the Konkan Railway handing over its operations to the Indian Railways.
