The Maharashtra government’s decision to introduce e-bike taxis in Mumbai and Pune has stirred a debate among transport experts and government officials, as concerns over traffic congestion, infrastructure readiness, and road safety mount. Despite objections raised by a government-appointed committee, the state transport department has pushed forward with the policy, aiming to boost employment and provide an alternative mode of transport in two of India’s most densely populated cities.
Mumbai alone has 2.98 million two-wheelers, accounting for nearly 8% of Maharashtra’s total count of 35.44 million, according to the Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2024-25. With a staggering density of 1,578 two-wheelers per kilometre and over 260,000 auto-rickshaws navigating the city’s narrow and overcrowded roads, urban planners fear the inclusion of e-bike taxis will only exacerbate traffic congestion. In contrast, the state government sees an opportunity to address urban mobility challenges by integrating bike pooling services, allowing individual e-bike owners to register with aggregators and operate commercially. This move, however, is being met with skepticism by transport analysts who argue that without adequate infrastructure, the initiative could lead to severe disruptions in urban mobility.
The committee, chaired by a retired IAS officer, had initially recommended against permitting bike taxis in Mumbai and Pune, citing high vehicle density and the potential risks to commuter safety. Their report, submitted in March 2023, underscored concerns related to the absence of designated charging stations for e-bikes, potential traffic violations, and an already strained enforcement system. Transport department officials have also voiced similar apprehensions, warning that regulatory gaps and lack of coordination with municipal authorities could complicate implementation. Additionally, road safety experts have flagged the increasing number of motorcycle-related fatalities in Mumbai, cautioning that introducing more two-wheelers onto the roads without stringent safety measures could be detrimental to public welfare.
Despite these concerns, the government has defended its stance by highlighting the potential employment benefits and the growing demand for last-mile connectivity solutions. By restricting aggregators from charging commissions and proposing financial support for bikers through the transport department’s welfare board, the administration hopes to create a more equitable and accessible transport model. However, with an existing culture of erratic driving among delivery service riders, experts fear that the lack of stringent monitoring could lead to further indiscipline on the roads. While bike taxis have been introduced in response to the growing number of illegal operators already functioning within the system, the effectiveness of this policy will largely depend on the state’s ability to establish a regulatory framework that balances urban mobility needs with traffic management and commuter safety.
As Mumbai and Pune continue to grapple with increasing vehicular density, the success of the e-bike taxi initiative will hinge on infrastructure upgrades, stringent enforcement of road safety norms, and strategic policy refinements. Whether this move will genuinely ease urban transit challenges or contribute to further congestion remains to be seen, but it is evident that without comprehensive planning, the city’s already burdened transport system could face significant disruptions.
