Heavy police deployment at Junta House as queues form to submit objections
Panaji: Hundreds of taxi operators thronged the Transport Department office at Junta House on Monday to submit their objections and suggestions for the draft Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025, which aim to regulate app-based taxi services in the state. At the end of the day, 1,607 feedback letters were received.
Announced on May 20, the draft guidelines permit app-based aggregators to operate taxis using vehicles registered or permitted in Goa. The government has allowed a 30-day window for stakeholders to file objections, which will end on June 19.
Anticipating a large turnout, authorities imposed prohibitory orders around the Junta House and deployed a heavy police force, turning the area into a high-security zone. A special desk was set up outside the office to receive memorandums individually. There was heavy police bandobast around the Junta House where the head office of the Transport Department is located.
Taxi operators from across the state arrived early and were seen waiting in long queues to register their opposition to the proposed policy. Many raised fears of suffering losses in their traditional taxi business.
Chetan Kamat, a taxi union leader, said, “The government asked us to file our objections regarding the app aggregator guidelines, and they gave us 20–30 days for it. We are here only to submit our objections, not to create any disturbance. We are susegad Goenkars. We don’t believe in causing trouble.”
Another operator, Yogesh Govekar, said, “We don’t need Ola and Uber. Goa is the safest state in India, and Goans are peaceful. These services are not needed here.”
While major ride-sharing companies have welcomed the draft policy, local taxi operators remain apprehensive about the implications on their livelihood. Many said there is no guarantee of return trips if they take a trip to the hinterland talukas.
While many have strongly opposed the government move, several have sought clarification from the Transport Department. They vary from issue to issue. Some said the guidelines do not address the issue of welfare of drivers if they come under an aggregator. Working conditions and fair compensation should be considered so that there is no exploitation of the drivers. In the feedback form, one driver has called for incentives for drivers/operators going in for electric vehicles.
Many have raised the issue of poor connectivity. Stating that in some parts of the state, some internet service providers have no range, one driver wondered what solution the aggregator would come up with to resolve the issue. They have called for concerns to be addressed.
