MARGAO: Resolving to collaborate closely in mounting a concerted opposition to Konkan Railway Corporation’s (KRC) bid to enter the rent-a-bike market, stakeholders on Saturday unanimously decided to unite and mobilise efforts to halt the tender floated by the corporation by reaching out to the Union Minister concerned and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
At the meeting held in Benaulim on Saturday, South Goa rent-a-bike owners and other stakeholders expressed concerns about the potential impact on their businesses and resolved to create awareness on the issue.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, it was resolved to organise a similar gathering in North Goa, tentatively on May 26, to brief rent-a-bike owners from the district on the issue.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, said, “First and foremost, we need to halt the tender floated by KRC, and for this, stakeholders must reach out to the Union Minister.”
He later informed the gathering that letters regarding the issue have already been sent to the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister.
“There is fear and anxiety in the minds of local stakeholders and their families at large that the KRC’s tender will spell doom for their traditional business,” he said, demanding that the KRC should have a dialogue with local stakeholders.
It was unanimously resolved to form teams dedicated to create awareness on the issue at the village level.
Rock Fernandes, a taxi owner, said that tourism in Goa serves no purpose if it fails to benefit the local population.