Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, on Monday, May 18, issued a stern warning to app-based bike aggregator companies, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido, directing them to strictly comply with all government regulations while conducting business across Maharashtra.
While issuing an official statement, Sarnaik made it clear that any violation of prescribed norms would invite strict punitive action, with no compromise on passenger safety, driver verification, or operational transparency.
The warning by the Maharashtra Transport Minister was issued during a high-level review meeting held by the state Transport Department to assess the functioning of e-bike service providers.
The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including Chief Minister’s Advisor Kaustubh Dhavse, Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department Sanjay Sethi, Deputy Inspector General of Cyber Crime Yashasvi Yadav, Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, and representatives of the concerned aggregator companies.
During the meeting, officials held detailed discussions on licensing status, driver registration, police verification processes, and shortcomings in app management systems.
Stringent policy for app-based e-bike services
Pratap Sarnaik further said that the state government is preparing to implement a comprehensive and stringent policy for app-based e-bike services. Under the proposed framework, companies will be required to conduct 100 per cent of their operations using electric bikes.
He also added that any use of petrol-powered vehicles would lead to the immediate blacklisting of the company concerned.
Police Verification Reports (PVR) for drivers to be mandatory
The minister also announced that the submission of Police Verification Reports (PVR) for all drivers will be mandatory, and no new driver will be allowed to register on any aggregator platform until verification is completed.
To improve regulatory oversight, aggregator firms will be required to provide real-time access to their app data to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). This will allow authorities to monitor which vehicles are attached to specific platforms.
Officials further noted concerns over a single driver being registered simultaneously with multiple platforms and operating for several companies in a single day, raising passenger safety concerns. As a corrective step, the government is considering a policy that would restrict drivers to operating for only one company per day.
While addressing the high-level meeting, Pratap Sarnaik also highlighted that all aggregator apps must prominently display key details for passengers, including the vehicle’s licence and registration numbers, the driver’s name and photograph, and a panic button feature to ensure immediate assistance in emergencies.
Maharashtra Government to conduct periodic audits of app-based transport companies
The minister added that the government also plans to introduce periodic audits of app-based transport companies, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
The Maharashtra Transport Minister further added, “The government is committed to building a modern, safe, and transparent transport system in Maharashtra. However, all companies must conduct business strictly as per government terms and conditions.”
