In a first of its kind, Goa Tourism has launched India’s first Electric bike tours in the state The launch was held in presence of Honourable Minister for Tourism Mr Manohar Azgaonkar, GTDC Chairman Dayanand Sopte and board of directors of GTDC and other dignitaries.
The Electric bike tours is a brand new initiative of the Goa Tourism department in partnership with Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd through B: Live. The new EV bike tours aim to give tourists as well as locals a silent and more environment friendly tour of the hinterlands of Goa. Prices for the tour will range between Rs 1,700 to Rs 3,000 depending on the package chosen said Mr Samarth Kholkar, CEO & Co-Founder, Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd.
Speaking to the media Honourable Minister for Tourism Mr Manohar Azgaonkar said “We are proud to announce the launch of India’s first Electric vehicle tour initiative, B: Live with Arcis tours pvt ltd. Sustainable tourism is the core of our efforts and we are happy to take the lead in creating the EV ecosystem in India, thus setting an example for others. We encourage and support technologies and enterprises which bring about a positive environmental change. Goa spearheads several ecotourism initiatives in the country and our association with Arcis tours is another step towards achieving our sustainability goals”.
At the first phase, the tours have been introduced with four plans which include the Making of Panjim, Culture trails, Escape to Divar islands and Rediscover the city of Old Goa. B: Live is currently offering 50 bikes three different categories namely the Easy, Adventure and City bike. The bikes will feature battery powered motor for speeds upto 25 kmph, GPS trackers and electronic disc brakes.
Addressing the press at a press conference Mr. Dayanand Sopte, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited (GTDC) said, “We are glad to partner with Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd to launch India’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) tourism initiative, B: Live. Understanding the risks of vehicle emissions and their contribution to air pollution in Goa, the introduction of EV tourism will help reduce our carbon footprint. It’s a revolutionary initiative that provides a clean mode of commute while offering an immersive travel experience. It will help empower our local communities and create a greener tomorrow for everyone around us.”
“We are grateful for the support offered by GTDC to launch B: Live. Pollution and congestion caused by tourist vehicles have been a concern in Goa and there is a need to introduce sustainable tourism practices which are easy to emulate. Through B: Live, we aim to encourage people to adopt a cleaner way of commute while helping them discover authentic local experiences. Each experiential tour offered by B: Live engages the local communities and allows tourists to soak in the milieu of authentic Goan culture,” said Samarth Kholkar, CEO & Co-Founder, Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd.
Salient features of the tour include :
E Hubs made of recycled shipping containers serve as charging points and tourist community centers. These are solar powered, eco friendly, smart hubs which offer Free Wi-Fi, tourist services and an insider guide to Goa.
Smart & digitally connected electric cycles have been deployed for the tours and rental purpose at major tourist destinations ensuring the safety of the passenger.
Curated experiential tours which provide an authentic and immersive experience of Goa with the help of a local tour buddy.
Connect with B:LIVE– log on to http://blive.co.in/ Mail at info@blive.co.in , call at 8669600373.
What are your views on this new initiative, should the tour be introduced in South Goa and more places as well..? Let us know in the comments section below..