The Maharashtra government is set to tighten the noose on the autorickshaw and cab drivers across the state, as it announced a stricter enforcement of its Marathi language policy for commercial drivers. The government warned that auto-rickshaw and taxi operators who fail to possess a working knowledge of the language by August 16, 2026, could have their driving licenses cancelled.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik made the announcement on Wednesday, adding that the move is aimed at ensuring smooth communication between drivers and passengers, besides strengthening compliance with the state’s transport regulations. 

The decision comes at a time when the state government is buckling up to launch bike taxi services from August 1, rolling out fresh eligibility norms, welfare measures and a renewed emphasis on electric mobility. 

Deadline was fixed as August 15 earlier

While interacting with the media on the Vidhan Sabha premises, Minister Sarnaik said non-Marathi speaking drivers operating taxis and auto-rickshaws have been given time till August 16 to be declared qualified for a functional Marathi language test. 

He went on to say that the state government had earlier set August 15 as the deadline for drivers to acquire practical knowledge of the statewide language. As per the minister, as many as 450 teachers have been pressed into service to train commercial drivers in functional Marathi before the deadline expires. 

Minister Sarnaik then cited the Rules 4, 22 and 85 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, emphasising that the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been empowered to take strict action against drivers who fail to qualify the test. 

Licenses could be revoked

The minister said, “If a vehicle operator does not pass the functional Marathi examination, the RTO will have the power to cancel his/her license to operate.” Adding to this, he said that while violations earlier attracted a penalty of Rs 500, the amended provisions now permit authorities to revoke the driving licenses of the defaulter drivers. 

State to receive EV push, says Minister

Minister Sarnaik, during his interaction with reporters, also slammed app-based aggregators, alleging that companies like Ola, Uber and Rapido deployed petrol-powered bikes despite being directed to utilise electric two-wheelers. He said Maharashtra government is committed to promoting electric mobility and has initiated action against aggregators who introduced petrol-powered bikes, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.