The Maharashtra government has stepped up regulatory action against app-based bike taxi services, directing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido to remove the bike taxi option from their applications. Officials said the feature is not permitted under the state’s current transport regulations and that responsibility for compliance rests with the aggregators.
Cyber Cell Places Compliance Burden on Platforms
According to Maharashtra cyber cell officials, app aggregators must ensure that the bike taxi option is disabled completely. Authorities said compliance cannot be partial or limited to backend changes, and platforms must remove any service that is not allowed under existing transport rules.
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A senior cyber cell official said bike taxis operating through app-based platforms are considered illegal in Maharashtra under the current regulatory framework. The official added that the issue concerns the complete removal of an unauthorized service from the app ecosystem.
The transport department has reportedly written to the cybercrime division seeking immediate action against such services. Officials have also recommended filing FIRs against responsible company executives if the platforms fail to comply.
Cab Services to Continue, DGIPR Clarifies
The Maharashtra Directorate General of Information and Public Relations has clarified that reports suggesting a complete shutdown of Ola, Uber and Rapido services in the state are misleading. The clarification stated that only the bike taxi feature is under scrutiny.
Regular app-based cab services will continue to operate without disruption. Officials said enforcement action is focused on unauthorized two-wheeler taxi operations, which are not approved under Maharashtra’s transport licensing framework.
The state government has argued that such services bypass regulatory safeguards related to commercial licensing, passenger safety and taxation requirements.
Wider Questions Over App-Based Mobility
The issue of bike taxis has drawn regulatory attention in several states, with concerns raised over safety standards, insurance coverage and operational accountability. In Maharashtra, officials have maintained that all mobility services must comply with transport laws applicable in the state.
Industry observers note that app-based aggregators expanded bike taxi services because of lower operating costs and strong demand in urban areas. However, the lack of uniform regulation has created uncertainty and led to disputes between state authorities and platform operators.
Authorities have indicated that monitoring will continue and further legal action may follow if platforms do not remove the bike taxi feature. The move reflects Maharashtra’s broader effort to tighten oversight of digital mobility services while ensuring that transport technology remains within the legal framework.
