Latest news with #GTDC
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
In Goa, a cab conundrum: Taxi operators raise the heat, govt urges them to join state-backed apps
The Goa tourism department has urged local taxi operators to 'integrate' with state-backed digital taxi platforms — Goa Taxi App and GoaMiles — to align with the government's broader vision to promote 'smart mobility, economic inclusion and a tourist-friendly environment through regulated and transparent services'. The appeal comes in the wake of the government recently publishing draft guidelines to regulate app-based transport aggregators. Taxi unions have threatened to stage protests, saying the move would pave the way for the entry of private app-based taxi aggregators that could threaten their livelihood. On Monday, taxi operators queued outside the transport department office in Panaji and submitted their written objections to the draft guidelines. In their objections, the taxi drivers demanded clarity on the structure of fares, stating that the entry of app-based taxi aggregators would 'monopolise' the transport sector and drive out local taxi operators. Some drivers demanded that the cab aggregators be restricted to providing basic pick-up and drop services and not be allowed to facilitate bookings for local sightseeing tours, event transportation, cruise bookings or other pre-arranged sightseeing activities. 'These segments are the backbone of our local tourism economy and directly support small businesses, guides and operators,' the taxi operators stated in a memorandum. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday said the guidelines were only at the draft stage. 'We have given one month's time to take everyone's opinion. We will take them (taxi operators) into confidence. If tomorrow, they say we want to come together under their own aggregator, I will not hesitate to even finance them. Let them operate it themselves. They are talking as if we are forcing something on them or are opposed to them. Ultimately, they are the biggest stakeholders. We will consult with them. They will have to fall in line. This is about streamlining the long-overdue taxi service system,' said Godinho. In a statement on Tuesday, the tourism department said that as the state redefines its tourism identity through innovation and sustainability, regulated taxi services will play a key role in shaping positive travel experiences. 'The department of tourism reiterates its commitment to building a modern, inclusive tourism ecosystem where technology benefits all, from local drivers to global visitors,' it said. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said, 'We urge all Goan taxi brothers to come on board and make use of this free, government-supported platform (Goa Taxi App) that is designed especially to benefit them. It is not only about convenience for tourists, but about creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities for our local communities.' The department said that GoaMiles, operated under the supervision of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), continues to be a trusted app-based aggregator. 'These platforms ensure fair compensation aligned with government-notified rates and promote service quality through digital ratings and real-time monitoring,' the statement said. Meanwhile, a group of taxi operators met Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo on Tuesday to reiterate their demand to oppose the entry of app-based cab aggregators. During a heated discussion with the taxi operators, Michael Lobo assured them of his support and said aggregators from outside the state would not be allowed. However, he also said that 'everything should be online, including the market rate for taxis'.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Key Colva units still not connected to STP
Colva: When chief minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Colva sewerage treatment plant (STP) in Jan, he had set a clear deadline of March 31 for all commercial establishments and households to be connected to the STP, failing which their water supply would be cut off. But five months have passed, and the deadline has quietly slipped. Nearly 30 commercial establishments under the tourism department along the Colva creek are yet to connect to the STP. Most notably, the Colva Residency, a flagship Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) property with over 50 rooms and a restaurant, is still off the grid. 'Even govt properties haven't complied. If this is the pace at which things move, how can we expect the public to take the initiative?' said one official overseeing the plant operations. The Colva STP, with a capacity of 7.5 million litres per day (MLD), was commissioned after a decade-long wait, at an investment of Rs 23 crore. Rs 11 crore is being spent on laying an 11km sewerage pipeline network. Technical assistant Sheetal Jagdari, who oversees commercial connections to the plant from the PWD (sewerage), said letters were sent to the tourism department's commercial units along the creek. In response, proprietors presented a letter from Rajesh Kale, deputy director of tourism (revenue), dated Sep 2024. The letter cited plans under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme to demolish and redevelop tourist shopping complexes, with work expected to begin by Dec 2024. Consequently, all current leases would be terminated, and shop owners were asked to vacate by Nov. 'Using this as justification, they're reluctant to apply for connections,' Jagdari said. Ironically, the shops continue to operate as usual, despite the impending redevelopment, buying time. Adding to the confusion is the case of Colva Residency. While GTDC's executive engineer E Balan asserts the property is connected to the STP, the PWD officials deny having any such records. Jagdari further revealed that a year ago, GTDC had only sent a handwritten request for connection. 'We asked them to follow official procedures. Since then, we've heard nothing.' The price may ultimately be paid by Colva's fragile environment and its overstretched infrastructure, said a local panch.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Panaji Residency: Rs 22L curtains offered for ‘posh' Delta guests
Panaji: Delta Corp Ltd, which had a corporate tie-up with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) for Panaji Residency until March 31, approached the corporation to renew the contract. Delta Corp assured the GTDC of consistent occupancy with an approximate payout of Rs 3 crore per year. Delta Corp said that it could utilise a minimum of 6,000 room nights per year at Panaji Residency, translating to Rs 30 lakh of turnover per month. The GTDC's board agreed to renew the corporate tie-up. The GTDC had executed a MoU with Delta Corp Ltd for the period from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2025. Given that Delta Corp will bring in 'high profile guests', an inspection of the GTDC-owned property found that the curtains need replacement. The GTDC offered to replace the curtains in 45 rooms at the Panaji Residency at a cost of Rs 22 lakh. Delta Corp operates four offshore casinos in the Mandovi under the Deltin brand. The GTDC's Panaji Residency is a stone's throw from the Captain of Ports jetty, where the casinos have offices. 'It is important to maintain high standards of aesthetics to match the expectations of the high profile guests who are staying through the corporate tie-up of Delta Corp Ltd, which is generating assured revenue and occupancy at the Panaji Residency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The financial implication is Rs 22 lakh, excluding GST,' said the note submitted to the board. The GTDC, which has Ganesh Gaonkar as the chairman, asked the Goa Handicrafts Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) to provide rates from empanelled vendors to replace the old curtains and curtain tracks with new ones in 45 rooms. The board agreed to place the order with the GHRSSIDC, a govt-backed body. Pravin Arlekar is the GHRSSIDC chairman. Panaji Residency recently underwent an upgrade, with rooms being painted and fresh wallpaper being fixed.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Time of India
Porvorim town square, creek circuit works to be ready by Mar '26: Khaunte
Panaji: With the cabinet approving the Porvorim town square and the development of a creek circuit, the tourism department hopes to issue the work order to Bagkiya Constructions Pvt Ltd by next week, said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte. The minister said both projects will be completed by March 2026. Khaunte said Porvorim town square is inspired by New York's Times Square, San Francisco's Union Square, and London's Piccadilly Circus. 'When we travel around the world, we realise that open spaces are developed, where people come together and where activities are held,' said Khaunte. 'The Porvorim square will have a performance theatre, market area, musical fountains, movie court, heritage area, the Ashoka Stambh, and basement parking. ' The Porvorim town square is being built on three plots repossessed by govt from private developers after a legal battle and handed it to the tourism department. 'Work will start soon and should be completed by March 2026. The work order is to be issued next week. At the same time, work on the Porvorim creek will also start,' said Khaunte. Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, a rural circuit from Porvorim to Harvalem will be created, enhancing the Porvorim creek experience by encompassing Torda Creek, Malim Jetty, Virlosa, and Pomburpa Spring, and extending up to Harvalem, Khaunte said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Zumbido e perda de audição? Médico revela técnica caseira de 1 real para aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo The minister said the proposal to revamp Colva under Swadesh Darshan is being finalised and will likely be placed before the cabinet next month. Also announced were the beautification of Porvorim creek and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum at Farmagudi to boost cultural tourism. The press conference was attended by Shri Kedar Naik, director of tourism, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, MD GTDC, and Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager GTDC. The Porvorim town square, spread over 11,000sqm, is a first-of-its-kind heritage-linked public space aimed at promoting economic growth and year-round public programmes. Khaunte said nearly Rs 400 crore is being spent to revitalise Goa's tourist spaces with Central support under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment (SASCI) scheme.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
GTDC plans to redevelop Vasco Residency via PPP model
Panaji: In a fresh push to monetise its properties, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) initiated steps to hand over the Vasco Residency to a private entity for hotel redevelopment through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This follows its recent offer of a 22,529sqm plot at Britona to private developers with a 100% floor area ratio (FAR) for a 60-year lease. A similar PPP plan is also under way for its Miramar property. Spread over a 3,158sqm plot in the heart of Vasco, Vasco Residency is a ground plus five-storey structure with 63 rooms and a restaurant. GTDC maintains and operates the facility, which is among its key city-based tourism assets with a built-up area of 5,558.5sqm. Under the proposed PPP model, the selected private concessionaire will have to demolish the existing structure and build a new 3-star or higher category city hotel with at least 30 rooms. The project will follow the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer model. The site, which falls under the C1 commercial zone as per the Regional Plan 2021, allows development up to 200% FAR, 24m maximum height (including stilts), and 40% ground coverage. GTDC has allowed the concessionaire flexibility to develop additional commercial components on-site, such as a multiplex or theatre, adding a cultural or entertainment layer to the facility. If awarded, the project agreement will initially run for 30 years, with an option to renew for another 30 years, subject to terms and conditions. The GTDC's shift to the PPP model aims to revive its ageing infrastructure using private capital and expertise. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, privatising long-standing public assets like Vasco Residency — located in a high-traffic urban node — may invite scrutiny over public interest, long-term control, and commercial use of public land. GTDC decided to outsource properties like Miramar Residency, Old Goa Residency, Britona Residency, and Anjuna Residency over a decade ago under the PPP model. Still, the results did not yield the desired outcome for govt. The Miramar Residency, which spans 20,000sqm, features 60 rooms. In its place, GTDC wants to build a resort with 587 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and a pool.
