Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has instructed the Cyber Crime department to file FIRs against Ola, Uber, and Rapido for reportedly running illegal bike taxi services in the state. The minister clarified that while these app-based mobility platforms are still operational in Maharashtra, legal action is being pursued against their unauthorized bike taxi operations. Reports on social media had falsely claimed a complete shutdown of Ola, Uber, and Rapido services in the state, which the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), Maharashtra, debunked as misleading.
The government’s actions are specifically targeted at addressing the issue of illegal bike taxi services and not a blanket ban on Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The Transport Minister has written to the Cyber Crime department urging swift action against the unauthorized bike taxi app services operating through these platforms. Additionally, FIRs have been requested to be lodged against the companies involved in these alleged operations. Despite these directives, there has been no official response from the companies regarding the situation.
Bike taxi services in Maharashtra have been grappling with regulatory hurdles concerning legality, licensing, and compliance with transport regulations. The state has a history of policy challenges for app-based mobility operators offering two-wheeler taxi services, with ongoing scrutiny of the regulatory framework governing such operations.
