Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the initiative is aimed at breaking private monopolies and offering fairer conditions to both passengers and drivers. The project is awaiting final approval from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. File Pic
The Maharashtra government is planning to roll out its own app-based transport service for rickshaws, taxis and e-bikes. The service, currently dominated by private aggregators, will be operated in coordination with the state’s Transport Department, officials said.
Names such as Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri and Maha-Go are being considered for the platform, they said.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the initiative is aimed at breaking private monopolies and offering fairer conditions to both passengers and drivers. The project is awaiting final approval from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
The state is in discussions with private firms and institutions like the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and MITRA to build the app. Development is expected to begin soon, with an emphasis on transparency.
To support participation, the government plans to offer financial aid to unemployed youth interested in joining the platform. Vehicle loans will be provided through Mumbai Bank at a 10 per cent interest rate, with additional interest subsidies of up to 11 per cent from state development corporations, effectively making the loans interest-free.
The proposed app follows central aggregator guidelines and is intended to curb exploitation linked to unregulated ride-hailing apps. A meeting to finalise the app’s design is scheduled for August 5 at Mantralaya.
“This initiative is meant to create alternatives to private app-based services and help local youth become self-reliant,” Sarnaik said.
App-based buses, cars and bike taxis must comply with legal provisions: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Earlier in July, Maharashtra Transport Minister stated that app-based buses, cars and bike taxis operating in the state must adhere to legal norms while conducting business. He directed that strict legal action be taken against any private transport services--whether buses, cars or bike taxis--that violate regulations.
He was speaking at a meeting held at Vidhan Bhavan to discuss various issues related to app-based transport services. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar and other senior officials from the Transport Department were also present at the meeting.
Transport Minister Sarnaik stated that all app-based buses, cars and bike taxis must operate in compliance with legal requirements. The state government will take strict action against those violating its rules.
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