The Government of Maharashtra has cancelled provisional licences issued to bike taxi aggregators including Rapido, Ola and Uber for failing to comply with the state’s electric bike taxi regulations. The move signals a stricter crackdown on bike taxi operations in Mumbai and nearby regions.
State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said the provisional licences were revoked after the companies failed to meet required conditions under the policy.
Speaking in the legislative council, Sarnaik said the e-bike taxi policy was designed to create employment opportunities for local youth. He added that in tourist regions such as Goa, bike taxis are popular because they are more affordable for single travellers compared with autorickshaws or traditional taxis.
The state cabinet had earlier approved the operation of electric bike taxis in August 2024 in cities with populations exceeding 1 lakh.
Requirements under the 2024 e-bike taxi rules
Under the Maharashtra E-bike Taxi Rules 2024, all bike taxis are required to be electric vehicles. Aggregator companies were also asked to complete specific documentation requirements within 30 days of receiving approval.
Sarnaik said the companies were granted temporary permission for 1 month and were required to submit necessary documents during that period.
“Rapido, Ola and Uber were given permission for just a month and they were to submit certain documents. I took a meeting with RTO officials on Monday. (I have told officials that) and if they haven’t furnished documents then their temporary licence must be revoked. We are cancelling the temporary licences so that illegal bikes will not hit the road,” Sarnaik said.
He added that the number of bike taxis operating across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is significant, and many of the bikes currently operating are illegal.
The minister also said that RTO officials had raised concerns regarding the attitude of certain bike taxi aggregators during the regulatory process.
Action to focus on vehicle owners
Sarnaik further said enforcement actions would target vehicle owners rather than riders. Authorities have been instructed to file cases against the owners of bike taxis instead of the riders operating them.
The decision comes amid complaints related to accidents involving bike taxis and concerns regarding the safety of women passengers.
According to the minister, Regional Transport Offices have taken action against 130 bike taxis since April 2024 and collected fines amounting to ₹33 lakh.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
