The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a comprehensive regulatory framework for app-based bike taxi services, paving the way for their legal operation from August 1 while introducing stringent eligibility norms aimed at improving passenger safety and curbing illegal operations.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik informed the Legislative Assembly that the state would permit bike taxi services through registered aggregators under a new policy designed to regulate the sector, generate revenue, and create employment opportunities for local youth. The move marks a significant policy shift after months of enforcement against unauthorised bike taxi operators.
Under the proposed framework, bike taxi drivers will be required to possess a valid driving licence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge issued under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and a Maharashtra domicile certificate. Before the PSV badge is issued, drivers must also undergo mandatory police character verification. The government said these measures are intended to enhance passenger safety and ensure greater accountability among service providers.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Dilip Lande during Question Hour, Sarnaik said the government was simultaneously taking action against illegal bike taxi services while creating a legal framework to regulate the rapidly expanding sector. Rules continue to prohibit the use of private two-wheelers for commercial passenger transport without authorisation. However, temporary 30-day licences had earlier been issued in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to aggregator platforms including Uber India Systems Pvt. Ltd., Roppen Transportation Services Pvt. Ltd. (Rapido), and ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Ola), subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.
The policy also proposes a financial mechanism under which operators will pay Rs 5 per ride to the state government, while Rs 2 from every ride will be deposited into a welfare fund for drivers, supporting social security and welfare initiatives.
Highlighting the government’s crackdown on illegal operations, Sarnaik told the Assembly that transport authorities detected 814 vehicles operating without valid permits between April 2025 and March 2026, seized 151 vehicles, registered 14 FIRs, and recovered Rs 16.25 lakh in fines. He added that strict action would continue against drivers violating traffic rules or operating unauthorised services.
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