Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: A delegation of Canacona taxi drivers met Sports, Tribal Welfare, and Art & Culture Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, and later CMC Chairperson Sara Naik Dessai, to raise concerns over the operations of app-based taxi service Goa Miles, alleging that it is affecting their livelihood.
The taximen claimed that Goa Miles vehicles freely pick up customers in Canacona, stay overnight, and return with new passengers, depriving local taxi operators of business. “Goa Miles are free to drop customers as much as they want, but their practice of halting and returning with passengers leaves us with no trips for days, sometimes even a week. They even take short trips that rickshaws usually serve,” said Krishna Naik, a local taxi driver.
The delegation also protested against a viral video from Canacona showing an alleged assault on a Goa Miles driver. “This is false. No such incident occurred in Canacona. Instead, Goa Miles drivers threaten us with police complaints whenever we politely ask them to leave,” said Kishore Pagi.
Speaking on behalf of the taximen, Sumant Bandekar highlighted that with over 335 tourist taxis in Canacona, local drivers are often left waiting for business while Goa Miles outstation taxis dominate the market with one-way fares. “We are being threatened in our own land while they operate at a lower rate, impacting our government-approved fares and livelihood,” he added.
Tawadkar assured the delegation that he would raise the matter with the concerned ministers and the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, CMC Chairperson Naik Dessai, after receiving a written memorandum, said she would pass a resolution to the government for consideration.
Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari and Canacona Councilor Shubham Komarpant joined the protest, warning that without a swift solution, local taxi drivers may be forced to initiate agitation to protect their livelihoods. “The livelihood of several households is at stake. Immediate action is necessary to ensure locals are not harassed in their occupation,” said Komarpant.
