Transport dept blows the whistle on taxis parking in Panaji despite ban

Panaji: The owners of approximately 40 taxis were recently booked during a special enforcement drive conducted in Panaji by the transport department to crack down on unauthorised parking to ease congestion in the city.

The drive was carried out following an order earlier issued by the North Goa district collector prohibiting taxis from being parked within city limits except to halt only for a limited duration for passenger pick-up and drop-off.

“The collector’s order said that taxis should not remain parked in the city for a prolonged period. The enforcement operation was conducted across Panaji where taxis had been occupying public parking spaces and roadside stretches, and they were fined. A large number of taxis that were found parked were registered under the GA-07 series,” an enforcement official said.

He said that drivers who were present inside their vehicles were, in some cases, allowed to move after being warned, while unattended vehicles faced enforcement action.

Panaji mayor Rohit Monserrate said that the action is expected to improve mobility and reclaim public spaces for residents.

Transport officials said similar enforcement drives will continue to be conducted at regular intervals in North Goa to ensure compliance with parking regulations.