Mumbai: In a surprise move, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday booked a ride through the Rapido app from Mantralaya to Dadar to verify if illegal bike taxis were still operational in Mumbai.

Despite an existing ban due to the absence of proper regulations, the booking was accepted within minutes, revealing a glaring lapse in enforcement.

The minister, using a different name to conceal his identity, managed to book the ride successfully. The biker arrived within ten minutes, unaware of the trap laid by transport officials. Upon arrival, he was immediately apprehended by the team.

I am the transport minister

Speaking directly to the biker, Sarnaik stated, "I am the Transport Minister. These rules are for your benefit."

He further clarified that the government’s focus would be on taking action against the app operators, not the bike owners themselves. "You came here, for that I am giving you Rs 500," he added. However, the biker refused to accept the fare.

Contradiction to department’s claims

This inspection came after Sarnaik had previously questioned his own department regarding the presence of bike taxis in the city. He was told there were none in operation. However, the incident on Wednesday painted a very different picture, exposing the continued functioning of bike taxis despite the government’s claims.

No action against the biker

Although the biker was caught, no punitive action was taken against him. The minister reiterated that the crackdown would be directed at the digital platforms facilitating these illegal operations rather than the individuals driving the bikes.

Bike Taxis still illegal in Maharashtra

In April, the Maharashtra cabinet had issued a draft electric bike taxi policy, proposing that only electric two-wheelers meeting government criteria could be used as bike taxis. Until this policy is implemented, all bike taxi operations in the state remain illegal.

(With agency inputs)