No License, No Ola, Uber Ride: Maharashtra Issues Action Orders Against App-Based Bike Taxis

The Maharashtra Transport Department has launched enforcement action against app-based platforms Rapido, Uber, and Ola for operating bike taxi services in Mumbai without valid licenses. According to Free Press Journal Authorities found that these companies have been offering passenger transport services through their apps without securing mandatory approvals under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020. All Regional and Sub-Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been instructed to take stringent legal action against these unauthorized operations.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik personally conducted a sting operation by booking a Rapido bike taxi to verify ongoing illegal activity, confirming that such services continue to function despite the state's ban. He clarified that the crackdown will target the app-based companies, not individual drivers. Sarnaik also confirmed that no official clearance has been granted for Rapido bikes to operate in Mumbai. Cases have already been registered against Rapido and Uber for offering unauthorized bike taxi services and for using private vehicles-with white number plates-for commercial use, which is prohibited.

As per Hindustan Times, after the minister's sting operation, the state Transport Commissioner's office issued directives to all RTOs to take swift action against unauthorized bike taxi operators. The department also urged the public to refrain from using these unlicensed services and assured that strict measures would be taken against operators based on credible complaints. The crackdown is being conducted under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, which mandate formal approval for such services, along with Section 66, which prohibits the commercial use of private vehicles.

Meanwhile, the state government is in the process of formulating regulations for bike taxi operations. In April 2025, a draft electric-bike taxi policy was introduced, allowing only electric two-wheelers that meet specified government standards to be used for such services. Until these regulations are finalized and implemented, all bike taxi operations across Maharashtra remain illegal.