Ride-hailing apps eye Goa entry as draft framework gets floated
On May 21, the Goa Transport Department unveiled the draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025, which, if approved, would open the door for platforms like Rapido, Ola, Uber, and others to operate in the state.
The Goa Transport Department has released the draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025, which advocates for a policy framework that allows ride-hailing companies to begin operations in Goa.
Under the draft policy, aggregators will be permitted to operate app-based taxi services, but only with vehicles that are registered in Goa or have a valid permit issued by the state. This aims to address previous concerns about out-of-state drivers affecting local businesses and jobs in the sector.
Additionally, all drivers being onboarded to ride hailing platforms must hold a Public Vehicle Service Badge, mandated under the Goa Motor Vehicles Rules, 1991.
The guidelines also include a mandate that aggregators must pay the government-notified fare to prevent fare manipulation.
These guidelines also shed some clarity on how and when ride-hailing platforms, like Rapido, Uber, and Ola Consumer can look to enter the marker.
According to Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, this move is a progressive one, not just for the ride-hailing companies but for the state of Goa itself. “If you look at the number of people employed in transportation (in Goa) versus the tourist inflow, it’s nothing. So we are actually seeing this as a very progressive move.”
Guntupalli also hinted that the company would make efforts to introduce product offerings to suit the needs of the market. “In a tourism-dependent economy, job opportunities are less. In general, job opportunities for women are going to be even lesser. There we see a right fit for Rapido Pink. And for tourists, who are coming to a new place, this sense of safety is always going to be there. So, we see Rapido Pink going to play a lot of role, in such cases,” he said.
While the draft policy is still in its early stages, Guntupalli added that the government is being very collaborative.
An Uber spokesperson said, “We believe tourists as much as locals in Goa deserve more mobility choices, and there is already strong existing demand for reliable ride options in the state. This regulatory update makes it possible for platforms like Uber to serve that demand more effectively and responsibly. As we review the draft guidelines in detail, we will submit our formal comments and continue collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the final framework delivers long-term value for riders, drivers, and Goa’s tourism-led economy.”
This is not the first time ride hailing companies have tried to make inroads into Goa. According to an industry source citing anonymity, both Ola and Uber had submitted requests to enter the market in 2018. However, no progress was made on this matter back then.
Ola Consumer did not respond to YourStory’s request for comment on the matter.
The Goa Transport Department has opened the policy to a 30-day window for public to submit suggestions and comments.
Edited by Megha Reddy