No more e-bike taxis in Maharashtra: Govt cancels Uber, Ola, Rapido permits

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has cancelled all temporary licences issued to app-based aggregators Uber, Ola, and Rapido for operating bike taxi services.

The decision came after inspections revealed that the companies had failed to submit mandatory documents and comply with licence conditions. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed the action in the legislative council on Monday.

Reasons for cancellation

• Non-compliance with licence conditions: Companies did not provide the required documentation within the 30-day temporary permit period.
• Use of petrol bikes instead of electric bikes: The Maharashtra E-Bike Taxi Rules, 2024, allow operations only on 100% electric two-wheelers. Authorities found petrol bikes, including those registered outside Maharashtra, being used illegally.
• Hiring riders from outside the state: Many bike taxi operators employed drivers from outside Maharashtra, contradicting the policy’s focus on giving priority to local youth.
• The Maharashtra government has cancelled all temporary licences issued to Uber, Ola, and Rapido for operating bike taxi services. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik told the legislative council on Monday that inspections revealed these companies had failed to submit the required documents and comply with licence conditions within the permitted period.

Crackdown on illegal services

Authorities have also launched a statewide crackdown on illegal petrol bike taxis. Vehicles found operating in violation of the Maharashtra E-Bike Taxi Rules, 2024, will be seized, and criminal cases will be registered against both operators and companies. The rules mandate that bike taxis must operate only on 100% electric two-wheelers.

Compliance and employment concerns

The temporary 30-day permits had been granted to allow companies time to complete compliance requirements. However, many operators started services without meeting the conditions, including using petrol bikes and hiring riders from outside Maharashtra. Critics have pointed out that this undermines the policy’s focus on providing local employment opportunities.

Government response

All regional transport offices have been instructed to enforce strict compliance. The government has warned that only authorised electric bike taxis will be allowed to operate, and any violations will lead to vehicle seizures and legal action.