20 Sep 2024
Mopa Airport, called after the late Chief Minister Manohar Parriker Airport is the latest addition to the infrastructure in Goa. Situated in the northern tip of Goa, looking out from the window of the airplane, you see verdant green all around, with little sight of any construction. The landings are few especially in the morning and the humumgous airport is still underutilized. The Adani group who runs the airport is exerting pressure on the Central Government to have airlines shift from Dabolim to Mopa but that would be another story.
Today's story is how the taxi lobby has total control of ferrying arriving passengers to other destinations in Goa. In the first place the tariff is exhorbitant. From Mopa to Panjim the capital, the rate is around Rs 2000 which could increase either early morning or late night. Goa government has introduced buses to Panjim, Calangute or Margoa, but no one will talk about it. Should you walk outside to see a bus, you will be told that the bus will start only after 2 hours, while persuading you to hire a taxi. Even if you ask about the bus fare , you will be sent to various places, only to finally discover that the tickets are available on the bus.
Arriving at 8.45 AM on an early flight from Mumbai, I patiently waited for nearly 2 hours for the bus to commence. The cost of the ride was Rs 200 but the wait was frustrating. It took more time sitting in the bus that sitting on the flight from Mumbai.
Mopa is a disaster for the budget tourist