Panaji:Taxi operators of Pernem on Tuesday protested against GMR for implementing “exorbitant” parking fees at Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
The taxi operators alleged that from July 1, GMR — which operates the greenfield airport — began charging Rs 200 for 30 minutes as against Rs 80.
“Despite chief minister Pramod Sawant directing GMR not to implement the new charges, it went ahead with its decision.This is unfair. We gave our land for the airport and now, it (GMR) wants to dictate terms to us. They are not even respecting our chief minister’s word,” one of the protesting taxi operators said.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar met the protesting taxi operators and also GMR representatives.
“I have asked them to go back to the old rates. We will soon meet the chief minister and discuss the issue. There are other issues which will also be discussed,” he said.
Later in the day, ceding to the MLA’s request, the authorities concerned rolled back the hike in parking fees.
The taxi operators alleged that from July 1, GMR — which operates the greenfield airport — began charging Rs 200 for 30 minutes as against Rs 80.
“Despite chief minister Pramod Sawant directing GMR not to implement the new charges, it went ahead with its decision.This is unfair. We gave our land for the airport and now, it (GMR) wants to dictate terms to us. They are not even respecting our chief minister’s word,” one of the protesting taxi operators said.
Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar met the protesting taxi operators and also GMR representatives.
“I have asked them to go back to the old rates. We will soon meet the chief minister and discuss the issue. There are other issues which will also be discussed,” he said.
Later in the day, ceding to the MLA’s request, the authorities concerned rolled back the hike in parking fees.
