13 May,2026 11:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The association stated that bike taxi services has allowed thousands of young people from towns and villages across Maharashtra. Representational Pic/File/iStock
The Bike Taxi Welfare Association on Wednesday appealed to the Maharashtra government to restore bike taxi operations and provide financial support for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
In a detailed letter (a copy of which is with mid-day), addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the association said lakhs of Marathi youth depend on bike taxi services for their daily livelihood and family income.
The association stated that bike taxi services has allowed thousands of young people from towns and villages across Maharashtra to earn a dignified income without migrating to distant cities for work.
According to the group, bike taxis enabled many riders to remain close to their families while supporting household expenses, children's education and medical needs.
The letter described bike taxi riders as self-employed entrepreneurs contributing to urban mobility across cities including Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Thane and Solapur.
The letter was written by Amit Gawde, President, Bike Taxi Welfare Association.
It comes a day after Sarnaik directed strict action against illegal bike taxi operations in the state, urging the Cyber Crime Department to immediately block unauthorised apps and initiate FIRs against company owners.
The association thanked the Maharashtra government for legalising bike taxi operations in April 2025, calling it a major decision that brought legitimacy and stability to thousands of riders.
It said the move gave confidence to riders who had previously operated under uncertainty and encouraged many youths to stay in their hometowns instead of migrating elsewhere for employment.
The association stated that it fully supports the government's vision of allowing only electric bike taxis in the future.
However, it stated that most riders come from financially weak backgrounds and are currently unable to afford electric vehicles costing between Rs 1.2 lakh and Rs 1.8 lakh.
The group said many riders are still repaying loans taken to purchase their existing motorcycles.
The association requested a phased EV transition period of 24 to 36 months, during which existing riders would be allowed to continue operating while gradually saving money to buy electric bikes.
It argued that an immediate stoppage of operations has left many families without income and pushed riders into financial hardship.
The group also appealed for government-backed subsidy schemes and affordable financing options for bike taxi riders purchasing electric vehicles.
According to the association, access to low-interest loans and State-backed support would help riders shift to sustainable transport without losing their livelihoods.
The Bike Taxi Welfare Association further requested direct dialogue with the government to discuss practical solutions balancing clean mobility goals with employment concerns.
The association said it was not opposing the EV policy but seeking a humane and realistic transition plan that protects the livelihood of lakhs of families across Maharashtra.
