Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik ordered the state cyber crime department to shut down Ola, Uber, and Rapido bike taxi apps. He also demanded FIRs against the companies' owners and management, citing public safety and regulatory non-compliance. This intensifies a long-running battle between ride-hailing giants and state authorities over two-wheeler operations.
How We Got Here
Maharashtra initially banned app-based private bike taxis in January 2023, declaring Ola, Uber, and Rapido operations illegal without a policy. Despite the ban, aggregators allegedly continued, prompting vehicle seizures and FIRs, leading to a July 2023 notification of "Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025" to regulate them.
The Numbers
- Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik sent a letter to the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, demanding immediate action.
- Sarnaik specifically alleged public safety concerns, citing lack of driver verification, insurance, and women's safety mechanisms.
- The minister referenced a February road accident near Mumbai Link Road where an unauthorized bike taxi was involved in a woman's death.
- FIRs have already been registered at Navghar Police Station in connection with that February incident.
What Happens Next
🇮🇳 Why This Matters for India
For gig workers in Mumbai and Pune relying on bike taxi income, these FIRs could mean immediate loss of livelihood and potential legal trouble.
The Take
The state is signaling they are serious about enforcement, not just policy tweaks. Expect Ola and Uber to pull their bike taxi services from Maharashtra temporarily, forcing Rapido to bear the brunt of any continued defiance.
Source:
Inc42 ↗