Maharashtra seeks FIRs against Ola, Uber, Rapido over alleged illegal bike taxi operations
New Delhi, May 16
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed the Cyber Crime department to lodge FIRs against Ola, Uber and Rapido over alleged illegal bike taxi operations in the state.
The minister further clarified that app-based mobility platforms Ola, Uber and Rapido continue to operate in the state as we sought legal action against their alleged unauthorised bike taxi services.
The clarification came after reports circulated on social media claiming that the services of Ola, Uber and Rapido had been completely shut down in Maharashtra.
In a post on X, the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), Maharashtra, said such reports were misleading and stated that the government's action is limited only to illegal bike taxi operations.
"The claim circulating on social media that all services of Ola, Uber, and Rapido have been completely shut down in Maharashtra is misleading," it said.
"The transport department has taken a strict stance against unauthorised bike taxi services operating illegally in the state," DGIPR added.
According to the state government, Sarnaik has written to the Cyber Crime department requesting immediate action against unauthorised bike taxi app services operating through the three platforms.
The minister also asked the department to file FIRs against the companies over the alleged operations.
"Transport Minister Sarnaik has written to the cyber-crime department demanding the immediate shutdown of unauthorised bike taxi app services like Ola, Uber and Rapido and the filing of FIRs against the respective company owners," it stated.
"At the same time, the Transport Commissioner has also sent a letter to the Cyber Crime department in this regard," it added.
However, there is no official comment on the development from the companies yet.
Bike taxi services have repeatedly faced regulatory challenges in Maharashtra over concerns related to legality, licensing norms and compliance with transport regulations.
App-based mobility operators offering two-wheeler taxi services have also encountered policy-related hurdles in the state in the past, as authorities continue to examine the framework governing such operations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Having lived in both India and the US, I find this baffling. In America, bike taxis are regulated but generally legal. Why can't Maharashtra simply create a proper licensing framework instead of filing FIRs? Innovation shouldn't be punished - it should be regulated smartly.
As a daily commuter in Mumbai, bike taxis are a lifesaver! They navigate traffic so much better than cars and autos. But I understand the regulatory concerns - safety and insurance are real issues. Instead of banning, why not work with these companies to create a proper framework? Win-win for everyone.
I'm a Rapido rider in Thane and I've been in two-wheeler taxi business for 3 years. I have all documents - license, insurance, even a pollution certificate. But the government says I'm illegal? What about the thousands of unregistered autos running without permits? Hypocrisy at its finest. 🤦♂️
Respectful disagreement with the minister here. Rather than filing FIRs, why not regularize these services? Bike taxis provide affordable transport for common people like us. Taxi unions shouldn't dictate policy. Create rules for safety, collect tax, and let people work! Simple economics.
The issue isn't about banning or allowing - it's about creating a level playing field. Auto and taxi drivers pay hefty permit fees, road tax, and follow strict regulations. If bike taxis want to operate, they should comply with same rules. But instead of FIRs, government should come up with a clear policy. This back and forth just creates uncertainty for everyone.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.