Tension brewed outside Manohar International Airport (MIA) on Sunday as taxi drivers staged a protest against the recent hike in parking fees. The demonstration, which drew a sizeable gathering of operators, highlighted growing discontent among the transport community over what they describe as an “unreasonable financial burden.”
According to the protesting drivers, the steep increase in parking charges is eating into their daily earnings, leaving them with little choice but to pass on the costs to passengers. They argued that this not only affects their livelihoods but also makes airport travel more expensive for commuters, potentially discouraging passengers from hiring taxis.
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Police were deployed at the site to maintain order and ensure that airport operations were not disrupted. Security personnel monitored the protest closely as demonstrators raised slogans and held placards demanding a rollback of the revised fees. Despite visible anger among participants, the protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or obstruction of passenger movement.
Several taxi operators voiced frustration that the decision to hike fees was taken without consultation with the stakeholders most affected. “We already face challenges with fluctuating fuel prices and competition from app-based cab services. Adding higher parking charges only worsens our situation,” one driver remarked.
The protestors have called upon airport authorities to initiate dialogue with taxi associations and work out a more balanced solution. They warned that if their demands are not met, they may be compelled to intensify their agitation in the coming weeks.
The incident at MIA reflects a broader concern among transport operators across Goa, where operational costs at major hubs continue to rise. For now, police presence remains in place at the airport to prevent any escalation, while negotiations between taxi unions and authorities are expected to take place soon.
