Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed the Motor Transport Department to conduct strict checks on drivers working with app-based passenger transport services, including Rapido, Ola and Uber, and take legal action against those found violating regulations. The directions were issued during a meeting with senior department officials on Tuesday amid complaints involving drivers operating through digital transport platforms.
Sarnaik instructed officials to verify the backgrounds of drivers associated with Rapido, Ola, Uber and other app-based passenger services. The checks will cover driving licences, mandatory documents, permits and compliance with applicable transport regulations, according to a report by Mid-Day.
The minister also directed the department to initiate criminal cases wherever violations warrant such action under the law. The order places responsibility on transport officials to move beyond one-time checks and maintain regular oversight of app-based passenger transport services, which are now widely used by commuters in Mumbai and other urban areas.
The meeting followed an Anti-Terrorism Squad action against a Rapido bike taxi driver in Mahim, Mumbai. The driver has been accused of circulating objectionable content through social media accounts, and the police are investigating the matter. Reports cited in the meeting said the preliminary investigation did not establish direct links between the individual and any person or organisation in Pakistan.
The minister’s instructions cover the regulatory status of drivers as well as the wider enforcement framework governing app-based passenger transport. Officials have been asked to coordinate their work, examine complaints seriously and ensure that drivers found guilty face action in accordance with the law.
Sarnaik has also asked officials to examine whether existing laws are sufficient to regulate the expanding app-based passenger transport sector. If current provisions do not adequately address the challenges posed by these services, the department has been told to consider a revised law that could bring drivers more clearly within the legal framework and strengthen the role of the state transport authority.
App-based transport services have expanded the choices available to urban commuters, but their operation requires coordination between transport authorities, police agencies and private platforms. The minister said passenger safety, discipline in the transport system and compliance with the law would not be compromised.
The department’s next steps will include driver-background verification, scrutiny of licences and permits, and action against violations identified during the checks. The state is also expected to assess whether a revised legal framework is required to strengthen ongoing oversight of app-based passenger services.
