16 July,2026 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the policy is intended to create opportunities for individual vehicle owners instead of benefiting only large fleet operators. FILE PIC
The Maharashtra government has implemented a new aggregator policy to regulate app-based passenger transport services, making it mandatory for companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido to operate only after complying with the state's prescribed rules and conditions.
Announcing the policy, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the move aims to make app-based transport services safer, more transparent, accountable, and better regulated. He said the policy would boost government revenue, prioritise passenger safety, protect drivers' financial interests, and create new employment opportunities for local youth.
Sarnaik said lakhs of passengers use app-based transport services across Maharashtra every day. However, the absence of a uniform regulatory framework had led to concerns over passenger safety, drivers' earnings, arbitrary fare pricing, delays in grievance redressal, and loss of government revenue.
Under the new policy, every aggregator operating in Maharashtra will be required to obtain a licence from the state transport authority. Each company will be issued a unique licence identification number after paying the prescribed fee, enabling better regulation of the sector while increasing state revenue.
The state government will also develop a dedicated online portal to enable real-time monitoring of aggregator vehicles. The portal will facilitate GPS tracking, driver verification and prompt action against violations.
Passenger safety has been given top priority under the policy. Every aggregator company must operate a 24X7 call centre, appoint a grievance redressal officer, and resolve complaints within the stipulated time.
Drivers must possess a valid driving licence and badge, undergo mandatory training, and will not be allowed to drive continuously for more than 12 hours. Passengers will also be able to rate drivers, while insurance cover will be provided for both drivers and co-passengers.
To safeguard drivers' financial interests, the government has mandated that drivers receive at least 80 per cent of the total fare.
The measure is aimed at preventing unfair commission practices and ensuring fair compensation.
To curb arbitrary fare pricing, Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) will determine the base fare. The policy also places limits on surge pricing, prevents excessive fare discounts or overcharging in the name of promotional offers, and caps convenience fees to ensure transparent and reasonable pricing for passengers.
Sarnaik said the policy is intended to create opportunities for individual vehicle owners instead of benefiting only large fleet operators.
Accordingly, a vendor can register a maximum of 50 vehicles per app platform in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur, while the limit has been fixed at 25 vehicles in the rest of the state. The cap will apply separately to each vendor fleet on every platform.
Explaining the rationale, Sarnaik said the provision was introduced to maintain social balance so that "the rich do not become richer while the poor become poorer".
The policy also makes a badge mandatory for all commercial passenger transport drivers. To obtain the badge, drivers must submit the required documents, provide proof of Maharashtra residence and demonstrate working knowledge of Marathi.
According to the minister, the requirement will ensure that passengers can communicate with trained and responsible drivers in the local language while creating more employment opportunities for Marathi-speaking youth.
"Maharashtra's youth should have the first right to employment opportunities in the state. Local youth with practical knowledge of Marathi and the required qualifications will get dignified and sustainable employment opportunities in the app-based transport sector," Sarnaik said.
To enhance women's safety, the policy provides women passengers using ride-pooling services with the option of travelling only with women drivers or women co-passengers.
The government has also made it mandatory for every aggregator's mobile application and website to be available in Marathi, Hindi, and English to improve accessibility for passengers.
The policy encourages the phased adoption of electric and alternative fuel vehicles to promote environmentally sustainable transport.
In a first, Maharashtra has also provided a legal framework for carpooling. Private vehicle owners will be allowed to offer carpooling services, but making a profit from such services will not be permitted. Participants may only share the cost of the journey.
The government said the measure would provide commuters with an affordable travel option while helping reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
Sarnaik said any aggregator company wishing to operate in Maharashtra would have to strictly comply with the state's regulations, adding that the policy would bring long-term improvements to the transport sector by strengthening passenger confidence, protecting drivers' interests, improving transparency in fare collection and generating government revenue.
