Maharashtra Considers Implementing Bike Taxi Policy

Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde has approved the development of a bike taxi policy. Transport officials have begun drafting rules for the policy, with plans to invite public suggestions and objections soon. A senior government official suggested that the policy may restrict bike taxi operations to two-wheelers registered under aggregator schemes and licensed by the government as transport vehicles. However, this aspect is still under discussion. While the Chief Minister's approval has been given, an official from the state transport commissioner's office clarified that the final notification and government resolution on the policy document are pending.

A state-appointed committee tasked with drafting the policy has suggested excluding bike taxis from congested cities like Mumbai and Pune. "Autorickshaws are already prohibited in the island city. It was suggested that bike taxis should be similarly restricted. The final policy will clarify this aspect," a senior official from the committee explained to Times Of India, adding that further consultations may occur.

The central government introduced a national policy on bike taxis approximately two years ago, leaving the formulation of specific rules and licensing to state governments. Initially, the Maharashtra transport department opposed private aggregators introducing bike taxis. Subsequently, the government formed a committee to develop a policy, engaging with various stakeholders, including taxi and autorickshaw union representatives in Mumbai.

Some autorickshaw and taxi unions have raised concerns about road safety and potential increases in air and noise pollution if bike taxis are permitted. The state government is expected to consider these various perspectives as it finalizes the bike taxi policy for Maharashtra.