The Maharashtra government has announced that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers must clear a functional Marathi language test by August 16 or risk losing their permits to operate. The move is part of the state’s effort to strengthen compliance with transport regulations.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has been authorised to cancel licences of drivers who fail the language assessment. Around 450 teachers have been appointed to train drivers in practical Marathi before the deadline.
The state will also roll out bike taxi services from August 1 under a new regulatory framework. Operators will be required to submit a domicile certificate, with the government saying the measure is aimed at improving accountability and curbing unauthorised services.
People who have lived in Maharashtra for at least 15 years will be eligible to obtain the commercial badge needed to operate bike taxis. The government will also collect a welfare cess of Rs 5 per vehicle per day along with a 2 per cent charge on every ride to support bike taxi operators.
Sarnaik said the state remains committed to promoting electric mobility and criticised app-based aggregators for deploying petrol-powered motorcycles despite being encouraged to use electric vehicles. He indicated that enforcement measures were initiated after such vehicles were introduced, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
With these changes, Maharashtra is combining transport reforms with language compliance, residency verification and a stronger push towards cleaner mobility. The new rules are expected to come into force in phases beginning August 1, with stricter enforcement after August 16.
