Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Babu Azgoankar has said that his department had not invested any of its funds in purchasing amphibious vehicle but was introduced by a private operator whom GTDC had selected through online tender process.
“Government/GTDC has not invested any of its funds in purchasing amphibious vehicle. It may be noted that said amphibious vehicle was introduced by a private operator whom GTDC had selected through online tender process and was supposed to launch the commercial tours in Goa,” said Azgoankar
He further said that as the service provider had not complied with the terms and conditions of the agreement executed and had failed in launching the services, GTDC has terminated agreement executed with the selected service provider.
The minister further informed that the service provider had purchased only 1 amphibious vehicle and had done the test rides. However, commercial operations were not commenced.
“Service provider had faced challenges in obtaining permissions to ply the vehicles as a result of which the operational costs were increased resulting in non-viability of the commercial launch,” he added
Meanwhile, GTDC has floated a fresh tender to select suitable operator for operating amphibious duck tours in Goa and the same is in progress.