Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has given the green light to a new bike taxi policy for Maharashtra, prompting state transport officials to begin drafting the necessary regulations. The public will soon have the opportunity to provide suggestions and raise objections as part of the policy finalization process.
A senior government official indicated that only two-wheelers registered under aggregator schemes and licensed by the government as transport vehicles might be permitted to carry passengers. However, this aspect remains under discussion.
An official from the state transport commissioner’s office confirmed that while the Chief Minister’s approval is in place, the final notification or government resolution regarding the policy document is still awaited.
Another senior official mentioned that a state-appointed committee had recommended excluding bike taxis from congested cities like Mumbai and Pune. “Autorickshaws are already not allowed in the island city, so it was proposed that bike taxis should also be excluded. The final policy will provide clarity on this issue, and further consultations may be necessary,” the official added.
Approximately two years ago, the central government introduced a policy on bike taxis but left the rule-making and licensing to state governments. Initially, the state transport department opposed a private aggregator’s attempt to introduce bike taxis last year. Subsequently, the government formed a committee to draft a policy, which included discussions with all stakeholders, including union leaders of taxis and autorickshaws in Mumbai.
Some autorickshaw and taxi unions have raised concerns about road safety and increased air and noise pollution if bike taxis are allowed. Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien suggested that the state should not allow privately owned motorcycles or scooters to operate as bike taxis. Instead, they should be registered as transport vehicles with yellow license plates.
Public Consultation and Safety Concerns
As the state transport officials work on the policy, they plan to open the floor for public consultation, inviting citizens to voice their suggestions and objections. This inclusive approach aims to address various stakeholders’ concerns and refine the policy accordingly.
Safety remains a significant concern among the opposition voices. Union leaders have raised alarms about the potential risks bike taxis pose in terms of road safety and environmental impact. Increased air and noise pollution are primary issues cited by these groups.
Future Steps
Once the draft policy is ready, it will undergo a public review process. The state transport department will then incorporate feedback from citizens and stakeholders to finalize the policy. The ultimate goal is to balance the need for innovative transport solutions with safety and environmental considerations.
