Beef Vindaloo

They are one of the most famous symbols of European travel and have been used in several films and TV commercials. We are talking about the gondolas – the romantic boats that ferry people across the waterways of Venice, a cultural icon that will be crossing international borders to what some might say in the least expected destination. This July, these symbols of Venice could well be associated with Mumbai travel as well.

“Everyone complained about the floods in Mumbai but not one person has done anything about it,” said Swati Gupta, CEO of New Taxi Travel India Ltd, “obviously we can not expect the government to do anything but what is stopping common, everyday people from making a difference?” And that is exactly how Gupta decided to do something about seeking long-term solutions to the flooding situation in Mumbai as well as elsewhere in the country. “I decided to call the company New Taxi Travel India Ltd because when you hear the name, there is no doubt as to what we are planning to do.”

Gupta is in negotiations with the three largest gondola unions in Venice to provide both the boats and the technical expertise required to set up the operations in India. “I have insisted that the boats will be Venetian in essence but will have a definite Indian feel to them,” she said. To this end, she plans to give each and every boat a separate makeover and replace the Venetian gondoliers with something of a local flavour. “India is a country that is teeming with musical talent,” Gupta said, “I figured since gondoliers have to sing, why not hire the thousands of people who show up for Indian Idol to become gondoliers.” Gupta also plans to put quirky stickers on the back on the gondolas with messages like “Horn OK Please.”

Surprisingly, the taxi union in Mumbai have not reacted hostilely to this situation. Secretary A. N. Quadros believes that there is definitely enough room in Mumbai for both parties. “The way we see it, taxi travel is going to become a seasonal activity,” he said, “while our cars will ply during the months of October to June, her’s will be in operation from July to September.” Gupta said that in keeping with the spirit and feel of Mumbai city, she will install similar taxi meters in every gondola and passengers will only pay by tariff card. With the confidence and focus that she possesses, this monsoon, you won’t have to worry when the last Virar local breaks down.

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