Maharashtra Government Cracks Down on Erring Bike-Taxis, Recovers ₹23.92 Lakh in Penalties
The state assembly was informed on Tuesday that the authorities have taken action against 930 erring bike-taxis and recovered Rs23.92 lakh in penalties. The information comes after the government cancelled the provisional licences granted to the aggregators.
The action was taken under the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025, under which 20 cases have been registered at different police stations, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said. The question was raised by Rais Shaikh and three other members.
The state government has issued provisional licences to three aggregator companies to operate bike-taxis on the condition that they must be electric. Following complaints from public representatives that the bikes were proving dangerous for passenger safety, inspections of the vehicles were initiated, the minister said.
The Maharashtra government has been proactive in addressing the safety concerns related to bike-taxis. The provisional licences were granted with strict conditions, including the requirement for the bikes to be electric, to promote environmental sustainability and reduce pollution. However, the recent inspections revealed that many of these bike-taxis were not adhering to the safety standards, leading to the cancellation of licences and the imposition of penalties.
The government's move is expected to send a strong message to other aggregator companies and bike-taxi operators, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety norms and regulations. The transport minister, Pratap Sarnaik, reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers using these services.
The penalties collected will be used to further enhance the safety infrastructure and improve the overall transportation system in the state. The government is also planning to conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure that all bike-taxis operating in the state comply with the set standards.
In addition to the penalties, the government is working on a comprehensive plan to address the issues related to bike-taxis. This includes setting up more stringent guidelines for the operation of bike-taxis, conducting regular training sessions for drivers, and implementing a robust complaint mechanism to address passenger concerns promptly.
The move has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including public representatives and safety advocates, who have long been calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect the interests of passengers. The government's proactive approach is expected to set a precedent for other states and regions facing similar challenges in the bike-taxi sector.
