Maharashtra Makes Domicile Certificate Mandatory for Bike Taxi Drivers From August 1, Tightens Safety and Licensing Rules

Responding to a question raised by MLA Dilip Lande during the Question Hour, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the government was taking strict action against unauthorised bike taxi services while simultaneously preparing a regulatory framework to legalise and regulate the sector. The proposed policy aims to generate revenue for the state while creating employment opportunities for young people.

Under the proposed framework, every bike taxi operator will be required to pay a daily government fee of Rs 5. In addition, Rs 2 from every ride will be deposited into a welfare fund for bike taxi drivers. Sarnaik said the government would continue taking strict action against drivers who violate traffic regulations or operate vehicles without legal authorisation.

The minister said every bike taxi driver must possess a valid driving licence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with a Public Service Vehicle Badge issued under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Before the badge is granted, drivers will also be required to undergo mandatory police character verification.

Sarnaik further stated that existing rules prohibit the use of private two-wheelers for passenger transport without official authorisation. However, the State Transport Authority had granted 30-day temporary licences for operations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to aggregator companies Uber India Systems Pvt Ltd, Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd, which operates Rapido, and ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd, which operates Ola. These temporary licences were issued on the condition that all prescribed regulatory requirements would be fulfilled within one month.

Highlighting the government's enforcement drive, Sarnaik said transport authorities detected 814 vehicles operating without valid permits between April 2025 and March 2026. During the same period, officials seized 151 vehicles, registered 14 First Information Reports, and recovered fines amounting to Rs 16.25 lakh. The latest measures mark a significant step in tightening oversight of Maharashtra's bike taxi sector while enforcing stricter safety, licensing, and regulatory compliance across the industry.