With an estimated 4-4.5 lakh illegal bike taxis operating across Maharashtra, the state government will roll out a new policy from August 1 to regulate the sector, create employment opportunities for locals, and recover revenue lost to unregulated operations.

State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said only domicile holders who can understand Marathi will be eligible for permits. Operators will also have to pay the government Rs 5 per day and contribute 2 per cent of every ride to a welfare fund.