Tourists compound bootlegging problem in Goa: Konkan Railway

Panaji, July 13 (IANS) Tourists visiting Goa in search of cheap booze compound the issue of bootlegging along the Konkan Railway route, which spans across four coastal states -- Maharashtra, Goa Karnataka and Kerala, a Konkan Railway spokesperson said on Wednesday.

In a statement, he said that in 2016, 17 bootleggers were arrested and 1,000 bottles of liquor were seized from the Goa's Madgaon railway station, which is a major hub for bootlegging.

"Illicit transportation of liquor in trains is a problem faced by Konkan Railway over a period of time. Availability of cheap liquor in Goa as compared to neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka is the cause of illicit transportation of liquor from Goa to other states. Tourists visiting Goa in search of cheap liquor also compound this problem," the statement said.

Goa is one of the top beach destinations in the country and attracts more than four million tourists every year. Liquor in the coastal state is priced cheaper than several other neighbouring states, thanks to a liberal excise regime on liquor products.