The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) is gearing up to take firm action against online taxi giants Uber and Ola for running services in the state without official approval. Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam confirmed that the department has sought legal advice and plans to issue show-cause notices to both companies.

Despite the state introducing an online aggregator policy in 2024, most major operators have failed to comply. So far, only one firm has applied for approval—and that too only for bike taxi services. Even its registration remains pending as it has not completed the submission of required details.

Under the state’s policy, authorised aggregators must set up registered offices and call centres within Kerala to function legally. However, an MVD inquiry found that none of the online taxi operators, including Uber and Ola, have established approved offices or centres in the state.

Minister calls current operations illegal

Earlier, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar made it clear that Uber and Ola are “functioning illegally” in Kerala since they have not obtained approval from the State Transport Authority (STA).

He explained that the state has framed a policy aligned with Central law to regulate online taxi aggregators. “Online taxis can operate legally once they get STA permission. At present, those operating without it are violating the law and will face action,” the minister said.

The minister noted that the state policy was introduced following a court directive and added that the Centre had recently revised the licence fees payable by online taxi companies. He warned that vehicles operating without approval would be seized.