‘There is no affordable transport currently, the biggest problem in Goa is taxis’

Transport minister Mauvin Godinho is struggling to update Goa’s transport system. In a chat with Team TOI, he says it is not just ever-evolving technology that he must cope with but also Goan cabbies’ resistance to change. Edited excerpts from Townhall With TOI

Govt doesn’t seem to have a comprehensive mobility plan, or if there is, we are not aware of it. How do you plan to tackle the issues in the public transport sector?
I agree that the transportation system in Goa is not at its best. There are problems, and while we’ve made some improvements, there is still work to be done. Currently, there is no affordable transport, and this has been the bane of Goa.



Historically, we faced similar problems with buses, which led to the creation of the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC). Now, with the introduction of electric vehicles, we’re experiencing a shortage due to financial constraints and issues with suppliers. For example, Olectra Greentech Ltd., which was supposed to supply e-buses to Goa, did not meet its commitments. However, thanks to our proactive approach, the IIT alumni council has come forward with a fund of around Rs 2,500 crore for social impact projects, including transportation. They are providing Goa with around 500 buses, costing nearly Rs 700 crore, for free.

Is there a solution to the taxi issue in sight?
The biggest problem with Goa’s transport is taxis. I want to build bridges with the taxi operators by urging them to recognise the changing times and adapt to new trends.

Unfortunately, some taxi operators seem resistant to change and adopt new technology. As the late Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “Goa ke log ajeeb hai,” I’d say, “Goa ke taxi wale bohot ajeeb hai,” because their reluctance to adapt is perplexing.
The taxi operators held a grudge because we made them install taxi meters, but if taxi operators adopt any app-based system, there will be no need for traditional meters. I would be willing to scrap them entirely.

GoaMiles generates valuable data for planning, including information on tourist arrivals and financial metrics like TDS and GST contributions, which amount to around
Rs 10 crore annually. We are currently losing approximately Rs 100 crore annually due to unpaid TDS and GST, as many taxi operators do not contribute to govt revenue.
The opposition to app-based taxis from some operators seems to be an attempt to return to outdated practices where passengers are charged exorbitantly, such as Rs 1,800-2,000 for a trip that should cost Rs 500. This attitude denies people the choice of affordable and convenient travel options.
Taxi operators are saying GoaMiles is destroying the business of Goans, but 60% of its users and 95% of its drivers are Goans.

Today, we’re in a competitive world, not just competing with fellow Goans but with the national and global market. The good old’sussegad’ days are gone.

How will the introduction of EVs help the current transport system?
The new buses will address the need for night buses, ladies’ buses, and hinterland connectivity. We will ensure that women have safe and harassment-free travel options. The introduction of more buses will also help cover routes to industrial areas and hinterland destinations. We want to expand our digital footprint by implementing an intelligent transport management system (ITMS), which is currently in development. We are also upgrading our bus stands through public-private partnerships.

Once the registered vehicle scrapping facility is operational in Oct, will you consider scrapping even private vehicles over 15 years?
There are some private bus and car owners who contend that their older vehicles, which are still in good condition, should not be scrapped. To address this, we are developing a system to incentivise the scrapping of old vehicles. This includes increasing the subsidy for replacing old buses from the previous amount of Rs 3 lakh to 10 lakh. It is going to be my best endeavour to convince the finance department to allocate funds, as securing this money is challenging. While extending this to private car owners is complex due to the presence of vintage and classic cars, we are carefully considering how to address these concerns.

The skybus project failed in Goa.
Is there anything else on the table for a metro rail connecting Pernem to Canacona?
nThere have been some proposals that have come to us, but they have not been actively at the table. There is a concern that if a metro or mass transportation system is introduced, it would be seen as a threat to the taxi operators, who might argue that such developments would harm their business. Everybody will say, “You’re killing us” or “Goemkaarak kabar korta”. There is also political fallout to consider. Unfortunately, politics can sometimes prioritise short-term gains or vote banks over long-term benefits for the community.


But isn’t that also true for some from your own party who have vote banks of taxi drivers and try to instigate them?
nBy saying that you are touching a raw nerve. This is bound to happen at some point or another because some people keep themselves and their self-interest before anything else.

What about the future of ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber in Goa?
There was a proposal to replace autorickshaws with electric rickshaws. However, this idea was met with resistance because some auto drivers were concerned that the EVs would be incorporated into the app-based systems. Personally, I am open to the idea of integrating services like Ola and Uber. For a state like Goa, which is a major tourist destination, having these services is essential.

What is your vision for KTC beyond the focus on electric vehicles?
To be honest, I’ve devoted more time to the industrial sector, including our IDC, and we’re preparing to launch a new, transparent digital portal for it. However, with regards to KTC, we’re looking at using AI to optimise bus routes and operations to maximise revenue and efficiency.
We’re also installing cameras across Goa and upgrading traffic signals to enhance road discipline and safety. Additionally, I’m reviewing high-security number plates, digital taxi meters, and speed governors to determine what needs to be retained, scrapped, or revised.

How does govt plan to update traffic signals with high-tech systems?
We’re aiming to hire a reputable agency with strong expertise in AI and traffic signalling to ensure we get a top-notch system for Goa. We want to avoid selecting a vendor simply because they’re offering a business deal. Our goal is to implement a high-quality system that truly benefits the state. Having a single, well-managed control room—for North and South Goa each—will reduce confusion and improve traffic management.

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