Maharashtra Makes Knowing Marathi Mandatory For App-Based Drivers

The Maharashtra government has reportedly extended its Marathi language mandate to app-based cab drivers working for aggregators like Ola, Uber and Rapido. This makes a working knowledge of the language mandatory for commercial passenger vehicle drivers operating within the state. 

According to a report by The Indian Express, the state’s transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers need a practical understanding of Marathi to communicate effectively with passengers. The amendments were introduced following complaints that some non-Marathi drivers were bypassing the language requirement by exploiting ambiguities in the existing rules.

As per amendments made to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, drivers could face licence suspension for up to three months or cancellation after a written notice from the authorities. 

“These amendments eliminate ambiguities in the rules and underscore the importance of practical Marathi for drivers engaged in passenger transport,” Sarnaik said, as quoted by IE.

To facilitate compliance, the transport department will be conducting a 105-day Marathi training programme across regional transport offices and language training centres.

More than 1 Lakh non-Marathi cab drivers have completed the four-hour Marathi training programme, according to the department. The drivers are scheduled to receive certificates from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde at an event in Thane on August 17.

The Marathi language mandate adds to the state government’s bid to institute more stringent regulations for app-based transport platforms. 

Last week, Sarnaik said aggregators including Ola, Uber and Rapido have until September 1 to apply for an aggregator licence, failing which they could face action from the transport authorities.He also directed Maharashtra transport commissioner Rajesh Narvekar to issue a notification setting the September 1 deadline.

As of now, only Bharat Taxi and Deodatta Taxi have received the licences. 

Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules

Maharashtra notified Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2026, on July 15, bringing app-based passenger transport services under a common licensing framework.

Under the rules, aggregators must obtain a licence and a unique licence identification number (ULIN). Existing licences will remain valid for 60 days from the rules taking effect or until fresh applications are decided, whichever comes first.

The regional transport authority-approved fare will serve as the base fare. Aggregators can charge up to 1.5 times the base fare during surge periods, while fares can be reduced by up to 25%. Drivers must receive at least 80% of the fare. Convenience fees are capped at 5% each for passengers and drivers, with a combined cap of 10%.

The government can suspend or cancel licences for repeated violations, safety lapses and fare-related breaches. Penalties can range from ₹1 Lakh to ₹1 Cr in certain cases.

Aggregators must ensure all vehicles have valid registration, permits, fitness and insurance certificates, pollution certificates. Other utilities, like carrying AIS-140 compliant tracking devices with panic buttons and first-aid kits, have also been mandated. 

Platforms must provide 24/7 customer support, grievance redressal, GPS tracking, live journey sharing and cybersecurity certification. Their apps must be available in Marathi, Hindi and English, with accessibility features for persons with disabilities.

Aggregators must gradually increase the share of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles in their fleets.

Motorcycles used as bike taxis will remain governed separately under the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025 and will require a separate licence.

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