Mumbai, July 30 (IANS) To enhance safety, transparency and regulation in app-based passenger transport across Maharashtra, the state government has announced the strict implementation of its Aggregator Policy.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday warned that all ride-hailing aggregator companies operating in the state must complete their mandatory registration with the Transport Department by September 1, 2026. Failure to comply within the stipulated deadline will result in severe legal action against non-compliant aggregator companies and any unregistered vehicles operating under them.
Addressing the rapid expansion of app-based transport services in the state, utilised by millions of commuters daily, Minister Sarnaik emphasised the need to fix accountability on transport aggregators.
He said defining vehicle validity, driver qualifications and company obligations was critical to public safety.
“While the government supports leveraging technology to provide superior commuting facilities to citizens, no compromise on passenger safety or violation of law will be tolerated under the guise of convenience,” he affirmed.
As per the policy, all cab, auto-rickshaw and bike-taxi aggregators must secure a valid licence from the Transport Department to operate. Private or non-commercial vehicles are strictly prohibited from carrying passengers for commercial gain. Every vehicle linked to an aggregator, a two-wheeler, three-wheeler or four-wheeler, holds a valid commercial registration, fitness certificate and permit.
Aggregators are legally obligated to ensure all affiliated vehicles possess valid insurance coverage, and that robust emergency safety systems (such as in-app SOS response features) are operational.
Minister Sarnaik reiterated that passengers are the cornerstone of public transport and are entitled to safe, lawful and reliable services. Urging companies not to wait until the last minute, he advised all ride-hailing platforms to complete their documentation and submit registration applications well before the September 1 deadline.
The Minister’s statement is significant, especially after the Central Government amended the Motor Vehicles Act to officially recognise “Aggregators” as digital intermediaries, requiring state governments to issue specific operational guidelines.
Prior to the policy, Maharashtra faced significant legal disputes regarding the operation of unauthorised bike-taxis and private (white-board) vehicles offering commercial rides through mobile apps without proper commercial permits, passenger insurance or safety audits.
The mandatory registration deadline aims to curb surge-pricing abuses, guarantee verified driver credentials, ensure background checks and provide recourse for passengers through structured grievance redressal mechanisms mandated by the state.
–IANS
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