MUMBAI: The state govt has cancelled the temporary licences issued to app-based aggregators Uber, Ola and Rapido to operate e-bike taxi services after finding that the companies had failed to submit required documents and comply with licence conditions, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik told the legislative council on Monday.He also announced a statewide crackdown on illegal petrol bike taxis, saying authorities have been directed to seize such vehicles and register criminal cases against operators and companies where violations are detected. The minister said many petrol bikes – including several registered outside Maharashtra – were being used instead of permitted electric bikes and were also employing riders from outside the state.The action follows violations of the Maharashtra E-Bike Taxi Rules, 2024, framed in line with the Centre’s motor vehicle aggregator guidelines. The rules mandate that bike taxi services must operate only on 100% electric two-wheelers.The issue was raised in the council by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Shinde, who pointed out that despite receiving temporary permissions, the three companies had failed to comply with required conditions even after four months.He also flagged that petrol bike taxis had begun operating in Mumbai and other areas despite the policy permitting only electric bikes.Shinde also questioned whether the govt would go beyond imposing fines andtake stronger action. He said the bike taxi policy had promised priority employment for local youth, but many riders operating the services were from outside Maharashtra, putting local job seekers at a disadvantage.Responding to the concerns, Sarnaik said the state had granted 30-day temporary permits to the aggregators to operate e-bike taxi services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region while they completed compliance requirements. However, after inspections found some companies had started services without fulfilling the necessary conditions, notices were issued and temporary licences have been subsequently cancelled. The minister said all regional transport offices across the state have been instructed to take strict action against illegal bike taxis.
