Maharashtra Marathi language rules: Transport Minister urges non-Marathi drivers to learn Marathi before August 2027

The government has decided to expand the second phase to cover more drivers.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has urged non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw, taxi and app-based vehicle drivers to use the extension period to learn Marathi before revised language rules are implemented from August 18, 2027.

Sarnaik made the appeal at a meeting at Mantralaya on Tuesday to discuss the next phase of the ‘Hinduhṛdayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Samvad Bhasha Abhiyan'.

He said drivers providing services in Maharashtra should be able to communicate with passengers in Marathi and urged those who have not undergone training to join the state's practical Marathi programme.

Over 1.65 lakh drivers trained in first phase

The campaign is being conducted jointly by the Transport Department, Marathi Language Department and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad.

In the first phase, more than 180 training centres were set up across Maharashtra, with over 1,800 teachers training more than 1.65 lakh non-Marathi-speaking drivers in practical Marathi.

However, a large number of drivers are yet to undergo the training. The government has decided to expand the second phase to cover more drivers, with online training also planned alongside physical centres.

Maharashtra has around 9.78 lakh autorickshaw, taxi drivers

According to figures discussed at the meeting, Maharashtra has around 9.78 lakh autorickshaw and taxi drivers, including approximately 9.16 lakh autorickshaw drivers and 61,000 taxi drivers.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region has 4,40,238 autorickshaw drivers and 43,106 taxi drivers.

Marathi language rules stayed until August 18, 2027

The implementation of the revised rules related to practical Marathi has been stayed until August 18, 2027.

Sarnaik clarified that the stay does not mean the rules have been scrapped and asked drivers to use the period to complete their Marathi training.

"The stay period is not an opportunity to stay away from learning Marathi but a chance to prepare oneself," Sarnaik said, urging every non-Marathi-speaking driver to participate in the campaign.

He said being able to communicate with passengers in Marathi would make interactions easier and help reduce communication barriers.

RTOs asked to expand Marathi training centres

Sarnaik directed regional transport officers to coordinate with local representatives and arrange training facilities at schools and other available venues in areas where large numbers of drivers are willing to participate.

The campaign aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers and ensure smoother and safer passenger services across Maharashtra.