Bike Taxi Services In Maharashtra Delayed

Back in April 2025, the Maharashtra government had officially approved a new policy framework for bike taxi services across the state. The bike taxis were supposed to commence operations by the end of May, but they haven’t been initiated yet. According to the transport department, it has received over 75 suggestions and objections to the new bike taxi policy. Most of these objections have been filed by rickshaw unions and activists. Based on the same, the transport department has submitted its report to the state government for further approvals and to amend the draft policy, if needed. Until an official announcement is made by the state government, bike taxis can’t commence operations. 

According to the rickshaw union officials, allowing bike taxis will further worsen traffic congestion in a city like Mumbai, which is already facing loads of traffic snarls. The other point noted is that rickshaws run on CNG, whereas the bike taxis will further increase air and noise pollution. However, it should be pointed out that the policy issued by the government specifically mentioned that all bike taxis must be fully electric. Thereby, these bike taxis will be more environmentally friendly and also produce less noise than conventional rickshaws. We feel these actions by rickshaw unions are to delay the bike taxi services, as they will offer a cheaper and faster alternative in comparison to standard rickshaws. Something similar was witnessed when cab aggregators started operations in Mumba,i as the taxi unions had condemned them. 

A week back, bike taxi services in Karnataka were also suspended after the High Court refused to stay an order directing bike aggregators to halt services until the state government frames rules to regulate them. It will be interesting to see whether or not the Maharashtra government goes ahead with bike taxi services or will follow the same route as the Karnataka government as these rickshaw unions do constitute a significant voter base.