Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL) plans to offer rent-a-bike services at five of its stations in Goa, as well as seven other stations along the Konkan Railway route.
It has invited an operator to oversee this service through a tender.
Margao, Canacona, Karmali, and Tivim in Goa, as well as Karwar, Gokarna Road, and Kumta Railway Station in Karnataka, will offer the suggested bike rental services. All seven stations will be covered by a single contract that will oversee this project.
GFP President Vijai Sardesai has rightly condemned the KR plan, saying the plan, if implemented, will spell doom for the local tourism stakeholders, including motorcycle pilots, besides hotels dotting the commercial capital.
True, the Konkan Railway has no business getting into local businesses.
This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among the public and government officials alike, with many questioning the logic behind this move.
Konkan Railway’s core business is running passenger trains along the picturesque Konkan coast, connecting various cities and towns in the region. It has to build a good reputation for its punctuality, safety, and comfort and become a preferred mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.
However, venturing into unrelated businesses like rent-a-bike and rent-a-car services seems not only unnecessary but also illogical.
The primary concern raised by critics is that Konkan Railway should focus on improving its core services rather than diverting its attention and resources towards local businesses.
By getting into rent-a-bike and rent-a-car services, Konkan Railway risks diluting its brand image and spreading itself thin. Furthermore, it begs the question – why would a railway company, which specializes in transportation via train, want to compete with established local businesses in the rental industry?
The proposal for Konkan Railway to enter the rent-a-bike and rent-a-car market is criticised strongly by the stakeholders.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant must reject this proposal and ensure that Konkan Railway stays true to its core business of running passenger trains.
It sets a dangerous precedent that other transportation authorities, like the airport authority of India, might follow suit and venture into unrelated businesses like taxi services or bike rentals. It is clear that Konkan Railway has no business getting into local businesses like rent-a-bike or rent-a-car services. The focus should remain on improving and expanding its core passenger train services, rather than venturing into unrelated markets.
Moreover, the involvement of the Konkan railway in local businesses like rent-a-bike and rent-a-car raises concerns about unfair competition with existing local businesses.
It is crucial for the government to support and promote local entrepreneurs who have invested their time and resources in establishing such businesses. By entering the rental business, Konkan Railway would be directly competing with these local entrepreneurs, potentially leading to market distortion and unfair practices.
it sets a dangerous precedent for other government entities to follow suit.
Tomorrow, even the Airport Authority of India may decide to enter the taxi or rental business, further diluting the competitive landscape and hindering the growth of small businesses.
It is essential for CM Pramod Sawant to intervene and ensure that Konkan Railway stays true to its roots and does not stray from its primary objective of providing efficient and reliable train services to the people.
SURAJ BNANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
