The government estimates that between four lakh and 4.5 lakh bike taxis are currently operating illegally across Maharashtra | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Maharashtra will roll out a new bike taxi policy from August 1, bringing an estimated 4-4.5 lakh currently illegal bike taxis under a regulatory framework while restricting permits to domicile holders who can understand Marathi. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik told the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that the Transport Department is expected to clear the policy by the end of July.

“We expect the department’s clearance by the end of July. The new policy will come into effect across the state from August 1," Sarnaik said during the Question Hour.

The policy marks a reversal from the state’s earlier crackdown on app-based bike taxi operators after provisional licences granted to aggregators such as Uber, Rapido and Ola were cancelled earlier this year over alleged non-compliance with state regulations.

Under the new framework, only Maharashtra domicile holders will be eligible to obtain bike taxi permits. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with a public service vehicle badge prescribed under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Operators will also be required to pay the government ₹5 per day and contribute 2 per cent of every ride towards a welfare fund intended to support bike taxi drivers. “To ensure employment for the young men and women of Maharashtra, the rules for bike taxis have been modified. Moving forward, anyone wishing to operate a bike taxi will have to pay ₹5 per day to the government. Additionally, 2 per cent of the amount will be deducted per ride, which will be utilised for welfare schemes,” Sarnaik said.

The government estimates that between four lakh and 4.5 lakh bike taxis are currently operating illegally across Maharashtra. Officials expect the new policy to formalise the sector, create employment opportunities for local residents and generate revenue currently lost because of unregulated operations.

The issue was raised in the Assembly by Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande, who said auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers were facing increasing competition from unauthorised app-based taxis and bike taxi services operating across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Published on July 8, 2026