Mumbai to Launch 100,000 Bike Taxis Affordable, Eco-friendly Travel for the MMR
Mumbai is about to witness a significant transformation in urban transport as 100,000 bike taxis are set to roll out across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These bike taxis, which include both fuel-powered motorcycles and electric scooters, are expected to provide a much-needed solution to the city’s chronic transport issues. With rides expected to be up to 60% cheaper than traditional autorickshaws and taxis, the new service will be an appealing option for residents and commuters alike.
The state of Maharashtra is in the final stages of approving this groundbreaking proposal. After receiving approval from the central government two years ago, it is now up to individual states to implement the rules for bike taxis. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde gave his approval to the project last year, and the state transport department has since finalised the rules and regulations. The proposal is expected to be officially green-lit by the state cabinet later this month. The concept behind this initiative is to offer a more affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly mode of transport, especially in the heavily congested streets of Mumbai. According to transport department sources, bike taxis will cost significantly less than conventional taxis or autorickshaws, providing an attractive option for daily commuters.
The plan also includes the introduction of electric scooters as part of the fleet, which is in line with Maharashtra’s push towards greener transportation options. At least 30% of the bikes in each aggregator’s fleet must be electric, with this proportion increasing by 10% annually, leading to a fully electric fleet within seven years. In addition, the proposal includes registration fees ranging from ₹1 lakh for a fleet of 50 bikes to ₹5 lakh for a fleet of 10,000 bikes. Until now, bike taxis have been operating illegally in Mumbai through app-based aggregators, with no formal regulations in place. With the introduction of official rules, each bike taxi will be assigned a yellow number plate, ensuring better regulation and oversight. The state transport department also plans to introduce social security provisions to make the service more attractive to operators while discouraging illegal operations.
It is hoped that the new system will address the growing issue of unregulated e-bicycles used by food and delivery services, which currently operate without proper oversight. This move will also encourage popular delivery aggregators to switch from e-bicycles to commercial two-wheelers, thus bringing more vehicles under the regulatory framework. As expected, the announcement of the bike taxi initiative has faced resistance from the local autorickshaw unions. Shashank Rao, president of the Autorikshaw Chalak-Malak Sanghatana Sanyukt Kruti Samiti, voiced concerns about the safety of bike taxis, particularly with regard to the lack of background checks on drivers. There are fears that the new service may lead to increased competition, which could affect the livelihood of traditional autorickshaw drivers.
Thampy Kurien, head of the Mumbai Auto Rickshawmen’s Union, also expressed opposition, stating that the introduction of bike taxis should come with a regulated fare structure, unlike the dynamic pricing system used by app-based aggregators. Despite these objections, the government is likely to proceed with the rollout, as it is seen as a necessary step towards modernising Mumbai’s transport system. With bike taxis expected to become a central part of Mumbai’s transport ecosystem, safety will be a top priority. Ajay Govale, an expert on road accidents, highlighted the importance of enforcing helmet laws for pillion riders. He stressed the need for high-quality, hygienic helmets, or alternatively, allowing passengers to carry their own helmets. Furthermore, the authorities must ensure that bike taxis adhere to traffic laws, including speed limits and traffic signals, to ensure passenger safety. The introduction of bike taxis marks a pivotal moment in Mumbai’s ongoing efforts to modernise its transportation infrastructure. By offering affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional modes of transport, this initiative is expected to ease congestion, reduce pollution, and provide a more accessible commuting option for millions of residents in the MMR. If successful, this initiative could set a precedent for other cities in India, fostering a greener, more sustainable urban mobility landscape.
