The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, has firmly stated that Ola and Uber will not be allowed to operate in the state, despite new transport guidelines being drafted.
The Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, lay out licensing conditions, tariffs, and operational rules for app-based taxi and bike taxi services in the state.
This declaration was made even as the state government invited public suggestions and objections to the proposed framework.
MLAs from Goa’s coastal belt pushed for the ban, urging the government to develop a uniform and locally inclusive system for taxi services instead.
The guidelines propose that only aggregators with a valid license from the Goa government, and an office registered within the state, may operate.
These licenses will be valid for three years and must be renewed thereafter, ensuring long-term compliance with state regulations.
The new rules also require aggregators to have formal contracts with drivers and resolve disputes under the state’s legal jurisdiction.
Across India, Ola and Uber have faced increasing scrutiny, including allegations of charging different fares for Android and iPhone users.
Protests by driver unions over high commission fees have led to boycotts in cities like Chennai, pushing platforms to consider zero-commission models.
In parallel, the Centre has launched 'Sahkar Taxi', a driver-first initiative designed to offer commission-free ride-hailing and challenge the dominance of Ola and Uber.