The Maharashtra cabinet approved the legal use of carpooling in private vehicles through registered apps or web platforms on April 29, 2025.
This decision follows the recent approval of bike pooling, making it the second ride-sharing service permitted in the state within a month.
Maharashtra Cabinet Approved the Legal Use of Carpooling in Private Vehicles
These approvals are expected to trigger opposition from taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers, whose businesses may be negatively impacted by the growing popularity of ride-sharing.
The Aggregator Policy 2020, issued by the Union government, permits pooling of non-transport vehicles (like cars and two-wheelers) to help reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and improve usage efficiency.
Despite the central policy, state governments retain the power to allow or prohibit pooling services within their jurisdiction.
Carpooling, or ride-sharing, involves several individuals sharing a private vehicle along a common route or to a similar destination.
Benefits of carpooling include reduced traffic, lower fuel expenses, and decreased emissions.
Although carpooling has been under discussion for over two decades, it was never legally permitted in Maharashtra until now.
Some apps had been illegally offering carpooling services, especially on busy routes like Mumbai–Pune, avoiding detection by RTOs and police.
Carpooling Will Only Be Allowed Through Government-Registered Apps or Websites
As per the cabinet’s decision, carpooling will only be allowed through government-registered apps or websites.
To ensure safety for female passengers, platforms must provide an option to travel with female drivers.
Drivers on these platforms will be limited to a maximum of 14 pooling trips per week.
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) will be responsible for determining the fares for carpooling services.
Carpooling fares will be capped and cannot exceed the rates set for comparable types of commercial cabs.
Fare rates will be calculated based on factors like fuel price, toll charges, insurance, and other operational costs.
A senior transport department official confirmed that detailed rules and regulations for carpooling will soon be drafted following the cabinet approval.
Aggregators will be held responsible for verifying the identities of both drivers and users on the platform.
Aggregators must also authenticate user contact details and publish both service-related and contact information.
The decision also requires that both passengers and drivers must have insurance coverage.
Users must provide their home and work addresses, while drivers must declare their trip’s start and end points for every ride.
