Maharashtra cracks down on illegal bike taxi services over safety concerns
The Maharashtra government has stepped up efforts to halt unauthorised bike taxi services across the state. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered strict measures against app-based platforms allegedly running illegal passenger transport operations. Concerns over public safety and lack of regulation have driven the crackdown. Transport officials claim that several app-based operators, including Rapido, Ola, and Uber, have been providing bike taxi services without proper permissions. These companies are accused of failing to comply with transport regulations, raising fears over passenger safety. The government highlights issues such as poor driver verification and the absence of insurance coverage for riders.
A recent fatal accident on the Mulund-Goregaon Link Road in Mumbai has intensified scrutiny. An FIR was filed at Navghar police station after a woman died in a collision involving an unauthorised bike taxi. The incident has added urgency to the government’s push for stricter enforcement.
The Transport Commissioner has formally requested the Cyber Crime Department to take action against these apps. Sarnaik has also written to the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Department, demanding the immediate suspension of all unauthorised bike taxi services. Officials argue that illegal operations are undermining the livelihoods of licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. The state has made it clear that companies continuing to operate illegally will face severe penalties. Authorities are now pursuing both legal and technical measures to shut down unauthorised services. The crackdown aims to enforce transport laws and address public safety risks linked to unregulated bike taxis.
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