The state government recently announced an e-bike policy, which allows only electric bike taxi services that meet specific terms and conditions to operate legally
Pic/Pratap Sarnaik's office
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday caught a Rapido bike taxi red-handed while it was illegally ferrying passengers through its mobile app, despite the state government not having granted official permission to any such bike taxi services.
The state government recently announced an e-bike policy, which allows only electric bike taxi services that meet specific terms and conditions to operate legally. As a result, all currently operating bike taxi services that do not meet these criteria are deemed unauthorized.
When Sarnaik inquired with the Transport Department about the presence of such services in Mumbai and other cities, he was officially informed that no unauthorized bike taxi apps were in operation. To verify the claim, Sarnaik booked a ride on the Rapido app using a dummy name.
Within ten minutes, a bike arrived at Shaheed Babu Genu Chowk near Mantralaya to pick up the passenger, thereby exposing the illegal operation.
Sarnaik reimbursed Rs 500 as rent to the driver of that bike saying it was not his fault and directed officials to penalise and take action against the company.
On April 1, the Maharashtra cabinet approved the introduction of electric bike taxis for cities with at least one lakh population, aiming to create more than 10,000 jobs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and another 10,000 in the rest of the state.
The Maharashtra government has issued a draft notification detailing the proposed rules for electric bike taxi services across the state and also invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders.
Issued on May 22 as part of a government resolution (GR) titled the "Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025", the draft framework aims to regulate digital aggregators and operators of two-wheeler taxi services under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
A "bike taxi" typically refers to a ride-hailing service that uses motorcycles or other two-wheeled vehicles to ferry passengers.
According to the notification issued by the state transport department, only licenced operators with a minimum fleet of 50 electric bike taxis will be allowed to function. The vehicles must be registered in Maharashtra and have compliance with insurance, fitness, and permit norms.
The rules mandate the installation of GPS tracking, crash helmets for passengers, and safety measures such as women-specific driver options and a 24x7 control room. Operators are also required to maintain a grievance redressal mechanism and ensure police verification of drivers.
"The licensee shall maintain a 24 x 7 control room with adequate manpower," said the notification.
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