In a major crackdown, the Maharashtra transport department penalized 57 bike taxi drivers and aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido for operating without valid permits in Mumbai. A total of ₹1.5 lakh in fines was collected on Friday evening, signaling stricter enforcement against unlicensed two-wheeler taxi services.
Draft Policy Under Review
The state government is in the process of finalizing a comprehensive policy on bike taxi aggregators, with the draft currently under the scrutiny of the law and judiciary department. Until the policy is formalized, the transport department has barred aggregators from offering bike taxi services without licenses. Despite repeated warnings, Ola, Uber, and Rapido have continued operations, prompting legal and financial action.
Minister’s Stern Warning
Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized that multiple citizen complaints had been filed against unlicensed bike taxi services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “The government has issued suspension orders until companies acquire the required licenses. Aggregators have even submitted affidavits, but continue to operate illegally,” he said. Sarnaik further directed officials to permanently revoke the licenses of companies and drivers who repeatedly violate government directives.
Legal Battle in Progress
The issue is also being contested in the Bombay High Court, where a public interest litigation (PIL) is being heard regarding the legality and regulation of bike taxi services in Mumbai. Until the court and the state finalize clear guidelines, the regulatory uncertainty continues to impact both operators and commuters who rely on affordable last-mile connectivity options.
The Road Ahead
With growing urban congestion and rising demand for low-cost transport, bike taxis have become popular among daily commuters. However, the lack of a formal regulatory framework has put both drivers and passengers in a legal grey zone. As the government works on finalizing its policy, stakeholders await clarity on whether bike taxis will be integrated into Mumbai’s official transport ecosystem or face further crackdowns.
