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Goa Tourism Bids Bye? Here’s How “Taxi Mafia” Becomes A Menace

However, the Goa government’s tourism department has filed a police complaint against a social media user who had posted on X about the state of tourism in Goa.

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Goa Tourism Bids Bye? Here’s How “Taxi Mafia” Becomes A Menace

Goa Tourism Bids Bye? Here’s How “Taxi Mafia” Becomes A Menace

Goa, once a top tourist destination in India is now facing a drastic decline in international visitors, as per recent reports. The number of foreign tourists has plummeted by over 60% since 2019 from 9.4 lakh to 4.03 lakh in 2023.

The primary reason behind this alarming drop is the notorious “Taxi Mafia” that has taken over the state’s transportation system, claims visitors.

These taxi operators who are known for their inflated rates and refusal to use meters have made life miserable for tourists and locals alike. Many social media users have deluged the platforms with their lousy experiences while travelling in Goa. Some said that nobody can touch the taxi mafia alleging that Goa’s politicians are involved and are protecting the mafia, also the cops have fallen in line.

Visitors have taken to social media to share their horrific experiences with Goa’s taxi drivers who often charge exorbitant fares and even threaten passengers. A German tourist reported being charged Rs 18,000 for a 37-kilometre journey.

The absence of ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber has made the situation worse. In 2014, Ola’s attempt to launch services in Goa was met with protests and strikes by local taxi unions, forcing the government to ban app-based cabs. Now visitors are asking to bring the service on account of these whopping taxi charges.

On the contrary, geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel-Palestine unrest have also contributed to the decline in tourist numbers from these regions.

Previously, Russia alone accounted for five daily charter flights to Goa; now, only a handful of flights arrive weekly.

Also, read| Police Complaint Filed Against Social Media User Who Commented On State Of Tourism In Goa

Locals are worried about the impact on Goa’s economy which heavily relies on tourism. “The taxi mafia and government apathy have ruined Goa,” said a resident on X.

However, the Goa government’s tourism department has filed a police complaint against a social media user who had posted on X about the state of tourism in Goa. The entrepreneur’s comment on X has led to many joining with their own negative experience they had in the state.

The deputy director of tourism Rajesh Kale in his complaint to the Superintendent of Police of the cyber crime police station in Panaji stated that he was “writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding an incident of public mischief that occurred on November 5, 2024.

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Topics
Goa Taxi Goa Taxi fare Goa Tourism Taxi Fare Taxi mafia X users

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