Govt EVs misregistered, used as pvt cars: Cabbies

Taxi operators on Monday highlighted the alleged misregistration and usage of electric vehicles by Goa govt departments and demanded adherence to legal frameworks in the procurement processes.

They pointed out that the Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) recently floated a tender to procure 50 electric vehicles (EVs) for state use. While the move was aimed at promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions, allegations have surfaced regarding the improper registration and usage of these vehicles, raising concerns over its legal compliance and transparency.

“The tender, initiated by the Goa Energy Development Agency, sought to procure 50 electric vehicles for governmental use within the state. Among the bidders, a Gujarat-based company emerged as the successful candidate, securing the contract for supplying the EVs.

However, 16 of the vehicles already distributed to various govt departments, were registered as private vehicles by the Panaji RTO, rather than as commercial taxis as mandated by law,” said general secretary, All-Goa Stagecoach Owners’ Association, Sudeep Tamhankar.

Under transport regulations, vehicles utilised for commercial purposesare required to be registered under the commercial vehicle category. Officials at the Panaji RTO, however, told TOI that there is no way of detecting vehicles that are being registered as private cars being used for commercial purposes.

The taxi operators have demanded immediate corrective measures.