The government has launched a major crackdown against app-based companies providing illegal bike taxi services in Maharashtra. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnai has directed the Motor Transport Department to file direct criminal cases against companies that endanger passenger safety and violate the rules of the e-bike policy. It has been found that while the government has only recently begun implementing the e-bike policy, some companies have started services without following any rules.
Sarnai clarified, “Companies that do not ensure passenger safety, do not provide proper training to drivers, and turn a blind eye to rules will receive no support from the government. Strict action will be taken against those who play with passengers’ lives.”
Violation of rules, zero level of training: Danger at increasing levels
Investigations have revealed that many app-based companies are conducting passenger transport business through private bikes without any safety training process in place. Sarnaiak stated that this practice is extremely dangerous. Just a few days ago, in an accident involving a similar illegal bike taxi, a passenger lost their life. Following this incident, concerns about passenger safety have arisen, and due to numerous complaints, the government has had to take strict measures.
“Arbitrary rule-breaking will not be tolerated in Maharashtra” warns Sarnaiak
The Transport Minister stated that in some states of the country, bike taxi companies operate recklessly by flouting rules, but such illegal arbitrariness will not be allowed in Maharashtra. “Only those companies that strictly follow the rules, do not exploit drivers, and provide safe service to passengers will have the support of the government,” he clarified. Sarnaiak further warned that instead of registering a case against the driver of every bike found engaged in illegal transport, a case will be filed directly against the company. The government’s message is clear: no concessions will be given to those transporting passengers in an unauthorized manner.
Crime registered against ‘Rapido’ in Ghatkopar; First stage of legal action
On December 2, the Motor Transport Department filed a case against Rapido (Ropn Transport Pvt. Ltd.) at the Ghatkopar police station.
The company was prosecuted under the following sections,
Section 66(1): Commercial transport without a license
Section 192: Violation of the Motor Vehicles Act
Section 112: Speed limit violation
The Mumbai RTO investigation revealed that under the name of Rapido ride sharing, passengers were actually being transported. It was also found that the bikes used in this service were private (Non-Transport). According to the Motor Vehicles Act, the use of private vehicles for passenger transport is strictly prohibited. During the inspection, several drivers were caught red-handed in the Ghatkopar railway station area. Instances of speeding and violations of traffic rules were also observed.
Action will not stop on illegal services; Passenger safety is a priority
This step by the government is likely to have a major impact on the bike taxi industry in the state. This action is considered a decisive step to prioritize passenger safety and to curb the illegal operations of companies. Sarnaiak has warned that action against such illegal services will continue in the future, and there are clear indications that the implementation of necessary rules for the safety of passengers and drivers will become stricter.
Violation of rules, zero level of training: Danger at rising levels
Investigations have revealed that many app-based companies are running passenger transport businesses using private bikes without any safety training process. Sarnaiak stated that this practice is extremely dangerous. Just a few days ago, in an accident involving a similar illegal bike taxi, a passenger lost their life. Following this incident, concerns about passenger safety have arisen, and due to numerous complaints, the government has had to take strict measures.
“Arbitrary rule-breaking will not be tolerated in Maharashtra” warns Sarnaiak
The Transport Minister said that in some states of the country, bike taxi companies operate recklessly by flouting rules, but such illegal arbitrariness will not be allowed in Maharashtra.
“Only those companies that strictly follow the rules, do not exploit drivers, and provide safe service to passengers will have the support of the government,” he clarified.
Sarnaiak further warned that for every bike found engaged in illegal transport, instead of registering a case against the driver, it will be directly filed against the company. The government's message is clear. No concessions will be given to those engaged in unauthorized passenger transport.
Case registered against 'Rapido' in Ghatkopar; First step of legal action
On December 2, the Motor Transport Department filed a case against Rapido (Ropn Transport Pvt. Ltd.) at the Ghatkopar police station.
The company was charged under the following sections,
Section 66(1): Commercial transport without a license
Section 192: Violation of the Motor Vehicles Act
Section 112: Speed limit violation
The Mumbai RTO investigation found that Rapido was actually transporting passengers under the guise of ride sharing. It was also found that the bikes used in this service were private (Non-Transport). According to the Motor Vehicles Act, private vehicles are strictly prohibited from being used for passenger transport. During the inspection, several drivers were caught red-handed in the Ghatkopar railway station area. Instances of exceeding speed limits and violating traffic rules were also observed.
No action will stop on illegal services; priority to passenger safety
This step by the government is likely to have a major impact on the bike taxi industry in the state. This action is considered a decisive step to prioritize passenger safety and to curb the illegal operations of companies. Sarnaiak has warned that action against such illegal services will continue in the future, and there are clear indications that the implementation of necessary rules for the safety of passengers and drivers will become stricter.