Maharashtra seeks ban on Ola, Uber, Rapido bike taxi services over alleged law violations

Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has called for the shutdown of bike taxi services operated through these apps and sought criminal action against company owners.

The Maharashtra government has also directed the state cyber crime department to immediately block unauthorised bike taxi applications and initiate legal proceedings against aggregators allegedly operating without valid permissions, as per reports.

Maharashtra’s crackdown on bike taxis has reportedly intensified, with the state government seeking to block app-based ride hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido over alleged violations of transport laws.In a social media post to the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, Sarnaik alleged that the companies were operating passenger transport services in Maharashtra without government approval, valid permissions or compliance with transport department regulations.

The minister reportedly said the growing number of bike taxis, especially those operated through Rapido, had become a major public safety concern. The letter claimed the services lacked adequate safeguards, including driver verification, insurance coverage, women’s safety measures and emergency response systems.

According to data compiled by the State Transport Authority for the period between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, enforcement teams detected 715 Rapido-linked bike taxis across Maharashtra, compared to 18 linked to Ola and 43 linked to Uber. During enforcement drives, authorities detained 110 Rapido vehicles and 15 Ola vehicles, while at least nine FIRs were registered and fines exceeding Rs 11.85 lakh were collected.

As per reports,the transport department also argued that the unauthorised operations were affecting licensed autorickshaw and taxi drivers by carrying out commercial transactions in violation of transport regulations. Sarnaik further sought strict action against the companies, drivers and management under the Information Technology Act and the Motor Vehicles Act. In 2026, around 14 FIRs were reportedly lodged against aggregators for allegedly violating transport laws.

The state government is also considering a policy framework for electric bike taxis with green number plates and is expected to take a final decision after reviewing compliance requirements. The minister said the Maharashtra government remained committed to public safety and would not support unauthorised systems operating in violation of the law.