Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 13: Amid rising concerns from local taxi operators, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday assured that app-based taxi giants like Ola and Uber will not be allowed to operate in the state.

Speaking after a crucial meeting with Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, and representatives from taxi unions, the CM clarified, “There should be no confusion. Ola and Uber are not coming to Goa. We are committed to putting a transparent, fair system in place that includes all stakeholders.”

The meeting comes ahead of the June 19 deadline to submit objections on the draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which sparked panic among local drivers fearing outside competition.

Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said the government has taken the taxi operators’ main demand seriously. “Their stand is clear no outside aggregators. The CM has promised this won’t happen. Instead, a new system will be devised in consultation with all parties,” Arolkar stated.

Calangute MLA Michael Lobo echoed these sentiments, urging that the current guidelines be put on hold. “The guidelines in the Gazette created unnecessary anxiety. We need a structured system that works for both tourists and Goans. Let’s build something local, digital, and transparent,” he said.

Lobo proposed a mobile app-based system with government-notified point-to-point fares, eliminating fare disputes. “The rates must be visible to all, and there should be no scope for last-minute overcharging,” he added.

Taxi unions welcomed the government’s assurance and stressed that fare charts must be fixed only after proper consultation with operators. “The CM said a fare chart will be notified, but only after our inputs are considered,” said a union member present at the meeting.

The government will soon hold another round of talks with coastal MLAs and all stakeholders to finalise the new local taxi system.

Meanwhile, the deadline for public grievances on the draft aggregator guidelines remains June 19.