In a bold move to expose unauthorized bike taxi services in Mumbai, Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Shri. Pratap Sarnaik personally caught a Rapido bike operating illegally in the city, despite official claims that no such services were currently active.
Further considering constant updates on such illegal bike taxi operating in city the minster decided to validate the same. Shri. Pratap Sarnaik used a sudo identity on the Rapido app and booked a bike taxi. In no time, a rider arrived at Shaheed Babu Genu Chowk, just outside Mantralaya the state’s administrative headquarters.
Rather than penalizing the rider, Sarnaik used the moment to educate him about the legal risks and the current government regulations. He then offered ₹500 as a goodwill gesture, appreciating the rider’s honesty and circumstances. Interestingly, the rider politely declined the money, earning praise from Sarnaik.
Following the incident, the minister instructed immediate action against bike taxi aggregators operating without proper permissions. He also directed a review of internal processes after learning that transport officials had misinformed him about the ground reality.
Electric Bike Taxi Policy in Effect
The government of Maharashtra recently announced a policy permitting only electric bike taxis in cities with populations above one lakh. Under this framework, operators must register at least 50 electric vehicles in the state, follow helmet laws, integrate GPS tracking, and offer customer grievance systems. Additional safety measures are mandated for female passengers, including the option to choose women riders.
Despite the policy, many petrol-powered and unauthorized bike taxis have continued to operate. The minister’s surprise check sheds light on the gap between policy and enforcement.
Broader Crackdown Underway
Transport authorities, along with law enforcement, have already begun legal proceedings against app-based bike taxi platforms for violating transport rules. The crackdown includes filing cases under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and criminal law, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
Key Highlights:
- Undercover Booking: Minister Sarnaik booked a bike taxi using an alias to test real-world compliance.
- On-the-spot Inspection: The bike arrived promptly, confirming illegal operations in Mumbai.
- Educative Approach: The minister informed the rider of the policy and showed empathy by offering ₹500.
- Firm Enforcement: Authorities have been directed to initiate strict action against aggregators and misleading officials.
Shri. Pratap Sarnaik’s direct approach sends a strong message:
Maharashtra will not tolerate unregulated transport services. While riders may be victims of a broken system, aggregators flouting the law will face strict consequences. The minister’s balance of firmness with empathy highlights a proactive yet human-centered governance style.
