Maharashtra’s app cab policy will bring app-based taxi services under the state’s transport fare and driver-verification framework, according to a report by Loksatta – Mumbai published on September 9. The move is intended to regulate surge pricing and establish a formal verification process for drivers operating through app-based platforms.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarn naik directed app-based taxi aggregators to submit complete information about their drivers to the transport department within three months, the report said. The directions were issued at a meeting with aggregators held at the state secretariat in Mumbai as part of the implementation of the Maharashtra Aggregator Policy 2026.
Under the proposed framework, app-based taxi drivers will be required to charge passengers according to fares fixed by the government. At present, fares on app-based services can vary with demand, time of day and the number of vehicles available. Passengers may therefore face higher charges during peak periods or when demand rises sharply in a particular location.
The government’s plan would place app-based taxis within the same fare-regulation framework that applies to autorickshaws and traditional taxis. Once rates are fixed, aggregators and drivers would be required to collect fares in accordance with the notified structure, the report said. The supplied report does not specify the proposed fare levels or the date on which the regulated rates will take effect.
The policy also focuses on driver identification and passenger safety. Drivers are expected to submit a domicile certificate and other required documents for verification. After the verification process, eligible drivers will receive a badge from the transport department, according to the report.
The proposed documentation requirements come amid concerns over passenger safety, including reported incidents involving the alleged mistreatment of women by app-based taxi drivers. The framework is intended to give transport authorities a clearer record of driver identity, residence and eligibility while creating a formal identification system for drivers operating on digital platforms.
Practical knowledge of Marathi is also expected to become mandatory for drivers under the proposed implementation measures. The report does not provide details on how language proficiency will be assessed or whether existing drivers will receive a transition period beyond the three-month deadline for submitting information.
The move expands the state’s regulatory role over app-based taxi companies, which have operated through digital booking and variable pricing models. The immediate implementation steps identified in the report are the submission of driver information by aggregators, verification of documents by the transport department and the issuance of badges to eligible drivers. Further details on fares, enforcement procedures and the effective date of the rules were not included in the supplied material.
